The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has said that Nigeria’s public sector can only attain true excellence through the deliberate integration of art and culture into governance and public policy.
Musawa made the assertion on Thursday while speaking at the 4th Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) held at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Building the Next Generation of Public Sector Leaders,” the minister said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries remained powerful drivers of national unity, economic diversification and innovation.
She noted that sectors such as music, film, crafts, design and heritage tourism had the capacity to generate employment, attract investments and reduce the country’s overdependence on limited economic sectors.
According to her, “embracing and promoting art and culture helps to forge national cohesion and shared identity among Nigeria’s diverse populations. When integrated into public policy, the creative sector becomes a strong engine for economic development and job creation.”
Musawa added that a society that values creativity produces more innovative and empathetic public servants who are culturally aware and adaptive.
She called for stronger intellectual property protection, supportive policies and sustained investments in creative infrastructure, stressing that arts and culture must also be fully integrated into education and community development.
“Embedding art and culture at the heart of governance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It builds unity, strengthens institutions and ensures that development reflects the soul of the nation,” she said.
The minister commended the founder of the mentorship initiative and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for his commitment to nurturing future public sector leaders.
Other speakers at the event included the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, Aisha Augie; photo-journalist Bayo Omoboriowo; and Ambassador Dapo Oyewole, Secretary-General, Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures.