Nigeria lacks wherewithal infrastructure finances to run creative industry lai mohammed

A very valid concern!

Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture in Nigeria, has indeed highlighted the challenges faced by the creative industry in the country. One of the major hurdles is the lack of infrastructure, including finances, to support the growth and development of the industry.

Here are some of the specific challenges:

  1. Inadequate funding: The creative industry in Nigeria lacks a stable and sufficient funding mechanism. Many projects and initiatives struggle to secure funding, making it difficult to sustain themselves.
  2. Poor infrastructure: The country's infrastructure, including roads, power supply, and internet connectivity, is often inadequate, making it difficult for creatives to work efficiently and effectively.
  3. Limited access to markets: The creative industry in Nigeria faces challenges in accessing international markets, making it difficult to export their products and services.
  4. Lack of policy support: The industry often lacks policy support and regulatory frameworks that can help create an enabling environment for creatives to thrive.
  5. Brain drain: Many talented creatives in Nigeria have left the country in search of better opportunities, leading to a brain drain that can hinder the growth of the industry.

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government has introduced initiatives such as the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI) and the National Creative Industry Policy. These initiatives aim to provide funding, support, and policy frameworks to help the creative industry grow and thrive.

Additionally, private sector organizations, such as the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, are also working to support the creative industry by providing training, capacity building, and funding opportunities.

However, more needs to be done to address the infrastructure and financing challenges facing the creative industry in Nigeria. It requires a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and civil society to create an enabling environment that can support the growth and development of the industry.