The Federal Executive Council has approved initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural sector and reshape the country’s global image

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two major initiatives led by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to enhance Nigeria’s cultural sector and improve its global reputation.

The announcements were made by Minister Hannatu Musawa on Tuesday following the 23rd FEC meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

One of the key initiatives is the **Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP)**, a digital platform designed as a one-stop shop for creatives across 49 sub-sectors in Nigeria.

Developed through a public-private partnership, CLAP aims to offer training, funding, and networking opportunities to artists, regardless of their location.

The programme seeks to equip artists and innovators with the tools and resources necessary to excel in their crafts, ensuring they have the support to develop into top-tier talents in music, film, and other creative industries.

Musawa emphasized the platform’s commitment to levelling the playing field for all creators in Nigeria, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals.

“This is a capacity and developmental initiative to ensure creators across Nigeria have access to training, funding, and networks,” Musawa stated, highlighting CLAP’s role in nurturing the next generation of iconic figures like Davido, Burna Boy, and Nollywood stars.

The second initiative, **Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere**, is aimed at using soft power and tourism to transform Nigeria’s global image.

The initiative seeks to highlight the nation’s cultural, artistic, and creative strengths, ranging from historical artifacts like Benin bronzes to contemporary cultural exports such as Afrobeat music and Nollywood films.

As part of the campaign, a seven-part short series titled *Nigeria Everywhere* has been produced. The first two episodes, *“I Am Nigerian”* and *“Letter to My Younger Self”*, have been filmed, with further episodes focusing on national identity, historical legacies, and leadership.

The series aims to position Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a key economic driver and a tool of national soft power.

Minister Musawa explained the overarching objective: “This cultural and tourism brand seeks to transform Nigeria’s artistic, cultural, creative, and tourism assets into huge economic drivers. It will also serve as a tool for changing the global narrative about Nigeria.”

Through the **Destination 2030** initiative, Nigeria hopes to shift perceptions by showcasing its unique cultural identity, offering a fresh perspective on the country beyond its oil reserves.

Musawa also underscored the importance of national pride, encouraging citizens to take ownership of their role in shaping Nigeria’s future and its global standing.