The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja on Thursday, outlines a collaborative framework aimed at accelerating the development of essential creative infrastructure and realizing Nigeria's ambition to become Africa's cultural epicenter.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Ministry and Chocolate City will join forces on several key initiatives. These include the construction of live performance venues across the country, a concerted effort to identify and nurture emerging creative talent, the expansion of global distribution networks for Nigerian creative content, and the strengthening of intellectual property rights protection within the industry.
To ensure effective implementation and identify priority projects, a Joint Working Committee, comprising representatives from both the Ministry and Chocolate City, will be established to oversee the partnership's progress.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the immense potential of Nigeria's creative industries. "Nigeria's creative industries represent one of our greatest untapped economic resources," she stated. "This partnership with Chocolate City exemplifies our commitment to harnessing the power of public-private collaboration to build sustainable creative ecosystems that empower Nigerian talent and showcase our cultural wealth globally."
This strategic initiative aligns with a broader governmental vision to leverage the significant economic potential of the creative sector. Experts suggest that this sector holds a crucial key to diversifying Nigeria's economy, which has historically been heavily reliant on oil revenues.
Audu Maikori, Co-Founder and Chairman of Chocolate City Group, hailed the agreement as both timely and essential for the industry's continued expansion. "Afrobeats has emerged as Nigeria's most powerful cultural ambassador," he noted. "Beyond its entertainment value, Afrobeats also serves as a potent cultural export and diplomatic resource, significantly enhancing Nigeria's global reputation."
Maikori further highlighted the substantial economic contribution of Nigeria's music industry, which he estimated generates approximately $2 billion annually within the $26 billion global music market. He underscored the critical need for improved infrastructure and institutional support to unlock the sector's full potential. "By working in tandem with the government, we can address long-standing challenges in distribution, infrastructure, and rights protection that have, until now, limited the sector's full capacity for growth," Maikori added.
Paul Okeugo, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Chocolate City, emphasized that the partnership would bring much-needed clarity to ongoing federal reforms aimed at the creative space. "The development of performance venues and creative hubs across Nigeria will not only benefit artists but will also generate employment opportunities for a wide range of professionals, including sound engineers, event managers, security personnel, hospitality workers, and many others," Okeugo explained.
The newly forged MoU is also strategically aligned with "Nigeria Destination 2030," a federal initiative with the ambitious goal of positioning Nigeria as a premier global destination for tourism, investment, and cultural exchange by the end of the decade. This broader program encompasses infrastructure development, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships designed to showcase Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and burgeoning creative capabilities.
Since its inception in 2005, Chocolate City has evolved from a prominent music label into a multifaceted entertainment conglomerate with diverse interests spanning production, artist management, publishing, and consultancy. The company has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of influential Nigerian artists such as Femi Kuti, Ice Prince, and Blaqbonez, significantly contributing to the increasing international recognition of Nigerian music. This partnership with the Federal Government signals a powerful alliance poised to further propel Nigeria's creative economy and cultural influence onto the global stage.