Nigeria is making a renewed push to reposition its tourism, culture and creative industries as engines of economic growth and national security, writes Charles Ajunwa
The upcoming 3rd Nigeria Entertainment and Economic Roundtable is setting the tone for what many stakeholders describe as a long-overdue shift toward diversification.
Scheduled for April 14, 2026, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the high-level policy dialogue is expected to convene a powerful mix of government officials, investors, creatives, development partners and members of the diplomatic community.
At the heart of the gathering is a clear objective: to move the conversation beyond rhetoric and into actionable strategies that can unlock the economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s rich cultural assets.
Leading the charge are top government figures, including George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Christopher Musa, the Honourable Minister of Defence, whose participation signals the growing recognition that economic stability and national security are deeply intertwined.
Their presence underscores a broader federal commitment to elevating the creative and tourism sectors as central pillars of national development.
The theme of this year’s roundtable, ‘Harnessing Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries for Rapid Economic Diversification and National Security’, reflects an evolving policy mindset.
For decades, Nigeria’s economy has leaned heavily on oil revenues, often at the expense of other viable sectors. However, with global shifts and domestic pressures mounting, attention is increasingly turning to industries capable of generating jobs, stimulating innovation and fostering social cohesion.
Beyond the rhetoric, the roundtable is expected to deliver tangible outcomes. One of its most significant highlights is a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between Afrocultour Limited and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The agreement will institutionalise a comprehensive system for tracking the contributions of tourism and creative industries to both national and sub national economies.
At the centre of this initiative is an annual report titled: ‘Cultourmetre Nigeria’, a first of its kind framework designed to generate evidence-based data on sector performance across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
For industry players and policymakers alike, this represents a critical turning point. For the first time, Nigeria will have a structured mechanism to measure, compare and rank the economic impact of its cultural and creative assets.
This development is widely seen as a game changer. For years, one of the biggest challenges facing the creative and tourism sectors has been the absence of reliable data to support investment decisions and policy formulation.
Without credible metrics, contributions from film, music, fashion, festivals and heritage tourism have remained largely undervalued and underreported.
By addressing this gap, Afrocultour is not just introducing a reporting tool, it is laying the groundwork for a new era of accountability and strategic planning.
It is believed that with accurate data, governments at both federal and state levels will be better positioned to design targeted interventions, attract investment, and monitor progress over time.
Equally notable is the roundtable’s focus on human capital development as the organisers have announced scholarship awards for deserving scholars in arts, culture and tourism related disciplines.
The initiative is aimed at nurturing a new generation of researchers and practitioners who can drive innovation and sustainability within the sectors.
The event will also feature key contributions from policymakers such as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, who serves as the official host.
Their roles highlight the importance of cross ministerial collaboration in ensuring that policy frameworks are aligned and effectively implemented.
For industry stakeholders, the roundtable represents more than just another conference but a strategic platform for engagement.
Designed by Afrocultour in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Roundtable has steadily evolved into Nigeria’s foremost interface between government and the private sector in these critical industries.
Discussions are expected to explore how tourism development, cultural preservation, and creative enterprise can serve as tools for youth engagement, job creation and conflict prevention.
In a country where youth unemployment and insecurity remain pressing concerns, the stakes could not be higher.
The linkage between culture and security, though often overlooked, is gaining traction as experts argue that when young people are meaningfully engaged in creative ventures, whether in music, film, fashion or digital arts, they are less likely to be drawn into crime or extremism.
At the same time, a thriving tourism sector can stimulate local economies, promote community pride and strengthen national identity.
As Nigeria stands at a crossroads in its economic journey, the outcomes of the 3rd Nigeria Entertainment and Economic Roundtable could prove pivotal.
With stronger policy commitments, improved data systems and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, the country has an opportunity to redefine its growth trajectory.
What remains to be seen, however, is whether the momentum generated at the roundtable will translate into sustained action. Put pointedly, would stakeholders join forces and work in harmony for the purpose of optimising the opportunity presented by this year’s Roundtable?
For now, expectations are high, and the message is clear that Nigeria’s cultural wealth is no longer just a source of pride, but a strategic asset capable of driving prosperity and securing the nation’s future.
