The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policy frameworks that foster international collaboration and drive socio-economic growth within the nation’s film industry.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made this known during a press conference held in Abuja ahead of the 2025 edition of the Zuma International Film Festival.
Musawa stated that the government has signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key industry stakeholders and is now developing a comprehensive legal framework to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria’s creative sector.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,” the Minister said the choice underscores Nigeria’s expanding influence in global storytelling and its determination to leverage film as a tool for diplomacy, investment, and cultural exchange.
According to her, such initiatives are designed to position Nigeria among the leading global players in the film and entertainment industry.
She said, “This year’s edition will not only expand audience choices for Nigerian creative content but also strengthen the industry’s adaptation to global opportunities and investment ecosystems.”
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, said preparations have been concluded for the successful hosting of the year 2025 Zuma International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from December 1 to 5 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Nuhu explained that since its debut in 1993, the festival has evolved into a living symbol of Nigeria’s creative pride and a celebration of the stories that define the nation’s identity.
He said, “Over the past year, the Nigerian Film Corporation has worked tirelessly to strengthen our film value chain from training programmes to international collaborations, from national digitisation projects to expanding regional offices.
“Our journey in sustaining Zuma has always been about ensuring that Nigeria’s creative voice is heard, respected, and invested in across the world, where film festivals and culture meet,” he added.
The NFC boss further remarked, “From cinemas in Lagos to festivals in Berlin, Toronto, and Cairo, our films have opened doors, challenged stereotypes, and proven that Africa’s creative strength is no longer a whisper; it is a roar. Through storytelling, we influence culture.”
He commended the Federal Government for recognising the creative sector as a vital contributor to national development, noting that the administration’s policies are fostering a Nigeria where creative talent is both celebrated and rewarded.
“All these efforts are geared toward making Nigeria not just a film powerhouse, but the film capital of Africa,” Nuhu added.
Earlier, the Festival Director, Halima Oyelade, expressed optimism that the event would celebrate creativity and cultural evolution, adding that storytelling has continued to sustain the Zuma International Film Festival’s identity, influence, and diplomatic relevance.
This year’s Zuma Film Festival has received over 3,156 film entries from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, and Iran, a testament to Nigeria’s growing stature in the global creative space and its potential to attract foreign investment.