Nigeria’s creative economy received renewed institutional recognition as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the country’s entertainment industry as one of Nigeria’s strongest global assets, citing its cultural power, economic relevance, and growing international reach.
In a statement following an extended engagement with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), the minister praised the sector as a defining symbol of Nigeria’s soft power. He noted that the industry continues to distinguish itself through creativity, humour, emotional depth, and commercial impact, positioning Nigeria as a cultural force well beyond its borders.
The meeting was held with TAMPAN’s national leadership, led by its President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin. According to the minister, the discussion extended across the afternoon and focused on strengthening engagement between government institutions and practitioners within the creative sector.
The interaction followed a recent honour conferred on Tunji-Ojo by TAMPAN, where he was named “Man of the Year” at the association’s National Professional and Empowerment Summit. The award, he said, reflects the industry’s acknowledgement of reforms and improvements in service delivery under the Ministry of Interior, particularly in areas affecting citizens, creatives, and business operations.
Beyond recognition, the meeting centered on future-facing collaboration. Both parties explored practical areas where policy, governance, and the creative industry can intersect to support national development. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that governance should not exist in isolation, describing it as a shared responsibility that requires active participation from professional bodies, industry leaders, and committed stakeholders.
The minister reaffirmed a joint commitment between his office and TAMPAN to nurture Nigeria’s creative talent pool through structured partnerships, empowerment initiatives, and supportive frameworks that allow the industry to thrive sustainably. He stressed that empowering creatives is not only a cultural imperative but also an economic strategy, given the sector’s role in job creation, youth engagement, and global perception.
For Ranks Africa, the engagement highlights a growing alignment between public institutions and Nigeria’s entertainment industry, signaling a broader recognition of the sector as a pillar of national development and a strategic contributor to Nigeria’s global influence.
