
14/07/2025
Thank you Buhari. The best President. For giving us:
1. Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI)
Launched in 2019 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Bankers’ Committee.
Provided single-digit interest loans for movie production, distribution, music production, fashion, and IT services.
Aim: create jobs and reduce reliance on oil by supporting Nollywood, music, fashion, and software development.
2. National Theatre Renovation and Creative Parks Project
Approved a multi-billion naira renovation of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos in partnership with the CBN and Bankers’ Committee (2020).
Included developing hubs for film, music, fashion, and IT within the National Theatre premises to foster youth-driven creative businesses.
3. Executive Order No. 5 (2018)
Focused broadly on science, engineering, and technology, but included clauses to promote local content development.
This encouraged Nigerian talents to be prioritised in creative projects funded by government contracts or partnerships.
4. Executive Order No. 3 (2017)
Primarily targeted local content in public procurement, but also influenced entertainment event planning and production contracts involving federal MDAs.
5. Creative Industry Development Bill (Proposed)
While not passed under Buhari, there were legislative discussions to establish a National Council for Creative Industry to coordinate policies. These proposals remain pending or are being revised under subsequent administrations.
6. Nigeria Creative Industries Development Programme (NCIDP)
Policy framework drafts were developed under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to create structured copyright reforms, improved IP protection, and creative hubs nationwide. Implementation remained partial by 2023.
7. Ease of Doing Business Reforms
Through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the entertainment industry benefitted from:
Faster business registration (CAC reforms).
Visa-on-arrival policy for filmmakers, producers, and event investors.
8. National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030
Broadened internet access and digital literacy programs supporting creative digital businesses, YouTube creators, online radio, and film distribution platforms.
9. Copyright Law Amendment Efforts
Buhari assented to the Copyright Act 2022 shortly before leaving office. Key provisions:
Strengthened IP rights enforcement.
Expanded protection to digital works.
Streamlined penalties for piracy to boost investor confidence in Nollywood and music sectors.