The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, Hannatu Musawa and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the film and audiovisual sector by providing access to the tools, resources, and platforms needed to share their stories with empowering audiences.
She made the remarks at the Annual Film Lecture of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), organisers of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF), held on Wednesday in Abuja. The lecture was themed, “From Policy to Power: The Future of Africa’s Cinematic Influence.”
Represented by Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Musawa expressed satisfaction that the National Assembly is taking steps to further expand the scope and reach of the NFC.
According to her, when you invest in Nigeria, you invest not only in stories but in culture, youth potential, an economy ripe with opportunity, global dialogue rooted in our time for authenticity and dignity.
“It is really a gliding story in the development of our policies, investment and infrastructure across the film value chain, which involves training, digitisation, corporation, partnerships and global distribution.”
”Encouraging collaborations not only within Africa, but with film communities globally to share expertise and other production and improve quality.”
“I believe every Nigerian talent, regardless of background should have access to the tools resources and platforms to tell their story.”
“Cultural institutions, global film distributors, sponsors, film governments, fellow governments and foreign collaborators , I say now are the targeted time to believe in Nigeria’s creative power,” she said.
The minister added that through the camera lens, filmmakers capture and share their stories, histories, struggles, and hopes, noting that these narratives go beyond borders.
She explained that such stories convey Nigeria’s culture, values, and aspirations to the world, with every movie, documentary, or short film serving as a cultural ambassador. She emphasized that this storytelling brings diverse indigenous voices to global audiences, shaping perceptions, challenging stereotypes, and affirming Nigeria’s place on the world stage.
”On this background, I call on this industry to do more.”
“Considering that in the last few weeks, we have seen how endless the divisions of our world lives have been inflicted.”
“These are deficiencies that we can confidently heal through our storytelling, films and through our performance.”
“Soft power has the capacity to shape ideas, values and global conversations,” minister added.
Musawa further explained that storytelling builds bridges between nations, constant mutual understanding and open doors for collaboration, diplomacy and cultural exchange.
According to her, the economic contribution of the industry, growing the media and entertainment sector now contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
She noted that as of 2023, Nollywood along with the music sector contributed 1.4 billion dollars to our GDP.
“Fame also provides livelihood for actors directors, writers, technicians, producers and many others along the production and distribution chain.”
“As global demand for African stories arise, the potential for foreign investment, co-production, international distribution and student deals are expanded.”
”This give Nigerians a global reach and return economic value to our creatives and nation,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), described filmmaking as perhaps the highest form of storytelling after the written word.
She noted that while the written word forms the foundation, filmmaking represents the pinnacle of the industry. Mahmoud added that storytelling carries global influence, and film, as both a soft power and economic force, has never been more relevant than it is today.
“The world is witnessing a renaissance in African creativity, with Nigeria leading this transformation on the global stage.
Our stories, languages, struggles, triumphs, and collective identity are now reaching farther than ever, as film has grown beyond mere entertainment. It serves as a tool of diplomacy, cultural influence, economic opportunity, and a projection of national identity worldwide.
Today’s discussion, themed ‘From Policy to Power: The Future of Africa’s Cinematic Influence’, underscores that for the industry to achieve its full potential, its growth must be guided by deliberate and strategic policy frameworks,” she said.
NAN/Oluchi