Creative sector reforms need continuity beyond 2027, says Rollas

Arts & Entertainment

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Convener of the Concerned Creatives, Artistes and Entertainers Initiative for Tinubu, Emeka Rollas, has called for the sustainability of reforms introduced in Nigeria’s creative industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Rollas made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a news conference and the official unveiling of the initiative, which seeks to mobilise support for the continued development of the country’s creative economy.

He said the creative sector is receiving unprecedented government attention under the Tinubu administration and has been recognised as a strategic component of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

According to Rollas, President Tinubu laid the foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, creating an environment that encouraged private-sector investment in entertainment, culture, tourism, media and other creative enterprises.

“Lagos became the preferred destination for film production, music recording, cultural festivals, fashion events and creative entrepreneurship,” he said.

Rollas noted that the President has since expanded that vision to the national level through policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

Among the administration’s key interventions, he cited the creation of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, which he said has given the sector greater visibility and policy focus.

He also highlighted the establishment of the $100 million Creative Economy Development Fund, designed to improve access to financing for filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, designers, digital innovators, artists and other stakeholders in the industry.

According to him, the government has also commenced implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, which is targeted at empowering young Nigerians and expanding opportunities within the digital and creative sectors.

“These initiatives, reforms and achievements need sustainability and continuity to ensure that Nigerians get the full benefits,” Rollas said.

He further revealed that the administration has approved the establishment of Renewed Hope Creative Villages across the country to provide infrastructure for training, production, innovation, collaboration and cultural preservation.

Rollas said the government has also invested in capacity-building programmes for young Nigerians in film production, fashion enterprise development and other creative disciplines, while advancing the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.

He commended the appointment of respected industry professionals such as Ali Nuhu, Shaibu Husseini, Obi Asika and Dr. Olayiwola Awakan into strategic leadership positions within government institutions, describing the appointments as recognition of competence and industry experience.

“On behalf of concerned stakeholders within the Nigerian creative industry, we acknowledge the efforts of President Tinubu and his administration in repositioning the creative sector as a major driver of national development,” he said.

Rollas added that the Concerned Creatives, Artistes and Entertainers Initiative for Tinubu has established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to deepen stakeholder engagement and grassroots mobilisation.

He said the movement is anchored on civic participation, democratic responsibility and national development.

Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors attended the event.