Ministry of Culture Plans National Theatre, Museum for Abuja

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, announced that the ministry plans to build a national theater and museum in an Abuja “Creative City.”

Musawa revealed this during her Thursday night defense of her ministry’s budget before the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy at the National Assembly, according to a statement provided to our correspondent on Friday that was signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Nneka Ikem.

According to Musawa, the ministry’s top two projects are the establishment of two jobs meant to be created for Nigerians.

According to her, this is only possible if the Senate approves the budget before it.

She said, “The ministry has been grossly underfunded, and we will be unable to achieve anything of significance without the right funding.

“The potential of this ministry is astronomical if we tap into that so we would like to see what we can do at the legislative level to give the ministry the kind of funding and support that we require to achieve our vision within the roadmap, to be able to achieve the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the ministry has committed to an aspirational target of N100bn contribution to the nation’s GDP by 2030 and also to the establishment of major projects, which include the building of a National Theatre and National Museum in Abuja among other projects.”

Musawa had already emphasized the ministry’s efforts to reposition Nigeria through its various projects that are being suggested.

She outlined the potential and significance of the creative economy as well as the main responsibilities of the ministry, which are in accordance with Section 21 of the 1999 Constitution and include, among other things, luring in foreign investment and promoting and preserving culture.

 “We have set high key performance indicators for the ministry, and we are ready to hit the aspirational targets which we have set for ourselves.

“This is a new ministry which is also trying to create jobs and in addition, establish an intellectual property framework which will harness the culture and creativity of Nigeria. This, therefore will require adequate financial provision,” Musawa stated.

The Senate Committee on Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy’s Chairman, Senator Mohammed Onawo, praised the minister for her efforts to build a national theater and museum in Abuja and said the budget review would help her carry out her responsibilities effectively and fulfill her aspirations for the ministry.

The senator stated, “To achieve more synergy and ensure enhanced collaboration with the Senate, the committee encourages frequent interactions throughout the year.”

Concerns were raised regarding how the ministry planned to carry out significant projects with the meager allocation when Senator Ede Dafinone, a member of the committee from Delta Central, also made reference to the inadequate budgetary allocation.