In a bid to reposition the Nigeria's creative sector, The Presidency, The Minister of Information, Alh. Lai Mohammed, DGs, MDA's several Stakeholders and the Press met on Wednesday 8th February 2023 for a crucial consultative review of the draft of the Nigeria Creative Industries Development Bill (CIDB).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President and CIDB Lead, Col. Felix Orevoghene Alaita expressed his appreciation to the Presidency, the Ministry of Information as he welcomed all MDA's and ecosystem stakeholders.
He mentioned that the CIDB seeks to establish the right legal and institutional framework for the growth of the creative industries.
Stakeholders are of the firm belief that the Nigerian creative industry has grown, from local to global talents and services, a trajectory this bill seeks to continue with.
At the consultative review meeting of the Bill which took place at The Wells Carlton Hotels, Abuja. The Minister of Information, Alh. Lai Mohammed who was represented by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe emphasized that the bill will bridge the gap between the creative sector and the government.
According to the Minister, the Bill will also address challenges faced by the creative industry.
He said the Creative Industries Development Bill is in response to clamour by key players in the sector for the creation of a legal framework to take the industry to greater heights.
While opening the session, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari and CIDB Lead, Col. Felix Orevoghene Alaita, said the major aim of the Bill is to provide support and promote Nigeria's creative sector.
He emphasized that the creative industry contributes huge revenue to the nation's treasury.
The Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Folorunsho Coker, emphasized the Bill is important and timely, stating that there is need to complement existing laws and policies.
The Director General of Budget Office, Dr Ben Akabueze assured the stakeholders that the creative industry will contribute greatly to the GDP and further create enormous jobs. He stated his support for transforming the creative sector for the growth and development of the country but added that his office lacks funding for establishment of new commissions. On this he urged all the relative commissions to deliberate on the Bill and harmonise for greater good.
Other stakeholders spoke on various aspects of the bill and its impact. They were in agreement that issues such as intellectual property rights, piracy, poverty, and multiple taxation in the past hindered the growth of Nigeria's creative industry.
CIDB however provides a ray of hope for a brighter future for the creative ecosystem in Nigeria.
Participants were also drawn from the Federal Ministry of Justice, CBN, office of the Director General of NTA, ICRC NCC, NEPC, BOI, NBC, SMEDAN, CAC, TRACE TV, OBI ASIKA, SSAs to the President and more.
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