Nigeria Reassesses National Cultural Policies with Support from UNESCO and NESG

After over 37 years, the Nigerian government is in the final stages of revising its National Policy on Culture, marking the first comprehensive update since 1988. This long-overdue reform, led by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), aims to modernize the framework guiding Nigeria’s cultural preservation and creative economy. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes culture as a key driver of national identity and economic growth.

L-R: Mr Ifedolapo A. Falope, Associate NESG the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu, Director Entertainment and Creative Economy Department (FMACCE), The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Honorable Minister Hannatu Musa-Musawa, Mr Babajide Augustus Ajibola, Ex Director, Entertainment and Creative Services Department.

Key Highlights of the Policy Review:

• Historical Context: The original policy, last reviewed 37 years ago, has remained largely unchanged despite significant transformations in Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors. Experts have criticized this delay, noting that such policies should ideally be updated every 5–10 years.

• Collaborative Effort: The review process involves partnerships with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These organizations have provided technical support, research, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure the revised policy aligns with global best practices.

• Drafting Process: A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, comprising over 100 experts divided into sub-groups. After an initial virtual drafting phase completed in December 2024, a physical drafting exercise took place in March 2025 to finalize the document.

• Focus Areas: The updated policy emphasizes transitioning from a creative industry model to a creative economy framework. This shift highlights the role of cultural sectors as significant contributors to economic development while preserving Nigeria’s heritage.

• Next Steps: The final draft will undergo a Stakeholder Engagement and Validation Exercise before being submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

Broader Implications:

The revised policy seeks to reposition Nigeria’s cultural sector as a global leader by fostering innovation, economic opportunities, and sustainable development. UNESCO has emphasized its alignment with international standards, particularly its 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This initiative also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging culture as a tool for economic empowerment and global competitiveness.