In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s global cultural diplomacy and creative economy agenda, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., on Tuesday, 8th July hosted a high-level European Union delegation, led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS during a courtesy visit to the ministry.
The visit, held in Abuja, marked Ambassador Mignot’s first official engagement with the Ministry since his appointment.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., described the meeting as “a timely and forward-looking engagement” that aligns with the Ministry’s mission to drive innovation, inclusivity, and global relevance in the creative space.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of culture, stating that it should be valued not only as a national asset but also as a diplomatic instrument for peacebuilding, identity affirmation, and economic transformation.
Musawa further described the meeting as “deeply rewarding, collaborative, and inspiring,” and underscored the growing international confidence in Nigeria’s creative leadership.
“Culture is our soul, but it is also our strength. With partners like the European Union, we are transforming our creative identity into an engine of economic prosperity, national unity, and global leadership,” she said.
This address was followed by the presentation of The Creative Economy Policy, which was presented by Mr. Faiz Imam, Chief Principal Adviser to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
She stressed the importance of building long-term structures over short-term initiatives, ensuring that creative capital translates into measurable development impact while uplifting grassroots communities and repositioning Nigeria on the global map.
The EU delegation, in turn, announced several ongoing and upcoming initiatives. These include a €20 million cultural partnership between European and Nigerian museums, support for digital hubs, film festivals, and youth training programs, as well as grassroots cultural development efforts in collaboration with Goethe-Institut, Institut Français, and other cultural organisations.
They also revealed their intention to coordinate efforts through unified engagement frameworks that align with Nigeria’s national policies and promote sustainable development outcomes.
Furthermore, the EU delegation commended Nigeria’s growing global influence in music, film, fashion, and storytelling, and pledged continued support through funding, capacity building, and development cooperation.