Business
Can Musawa turn around Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy? By Akeem Atoyebi
Can Musawa turn around Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy?
By Akeem Atoyebi
The bane of development of the country called Nigeria is the overriding importance attached to politics, cronyism, patronage over competence in political appointments.
The foregoing is one of the cardinal submissions of Professor Richard Joseph in his seminal book: Prebedan Politics in Nigeria.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is one of the most important in the country given the primacy of the triad on which the ministry stands.
The minister in charge of this sensitive ministry without prejudice is said to be brilliant lawyer, but analysts have doubted her suitness for the ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
This reservation came early, but it would seem the retardation, lack of creative activity, immense inability to harness the potential of the triad of the ministry: arts, culture and tourism – may have validated the position and doubts of those who earlier criticised her appointment as evidence of politics trouncing competence.
Professor Adeagbo Moritiwon a political scientist told this medium that ” the earlier Musawa is removed the better for the creative economy. Let me be frank with you that woman is a misfit in the ministry, she may do well if moved to another ministry because no one doubts her brilliance. When she was a columnist at Daily Trust I always followed her incisive commentary. Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy economy can generate money for Nigeria but I doubt her knowledge of what it takes to run the ministry to efficiency and money generation.
The Nigerian government has set a goal of generating $100 billion from creative sector involving tourism, culture and creative economy by 2030.
Dr. Funke Akinmade, a theatre arts scholar noted that “the creative economy has enormous potential to generate money but only waiting for creative manager as minister to harness the resources and potential therein.
The creative economy is already Nigeria’s second-largest employer, and it could create more jobs by 2025 if well harnessed.
GDP
The tourism industry can generate foreign exchange for Nigeria, which can boost the country’s foreign reserves. There are many countries of the world that rely solely on tourism.
Already the Tinubu administration approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation.
The government is focusing on monetizing intellectual property and generating revenue from cultural and tourism assets.
It’s also creating access to international markets for Nigerian creative products and talent.
For clarity, creative economy includes arts, crafts, festivals, museums, libraries, and more.
But these enormous potentials are in danger of not being realized as a result of the Minister in charge, Akinmade declared in her chat with this medium.
Since the appointment of Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa as Minister of Culture and Creative Economy and Lately Tourism, the Ministry has been lackluster.
Analysts pointed out her lack of charisma, inability to bond with practitioners and stakeholders, her insistence on spotlights and press conferences when there’s actually nothing to showcase.
” Honestly it’s like a land full of gold lying fallow”, Akinmade continued, raising fears of possible collapse of the Ministry if President Tinubu failed to bring in capable hand to run the otherwise promising Ministry vitiated by incompetence of the current manager.
One commentator Frank Nwete said that “She is overwhelmed by an industry that presents plenty of advantages and numerate creative, hard-working Nigerians in the private sector and dwarfed by her own fears and inadequacies.
” I won’t waste my time highlighting many of her assumed operational deliverables, which are works of sorcery and kitted from the kitchen of black magic, painted in dramatic colours of deception and grandstanding.
” It’s indeed in the public space that her first ever and last stakeholders meeting targeting solely the creative community failed flat because madam minister had no Intel on how the creative community in Nigeria struggled without help from government to brace into international recognition and influence.
“Her ground zero operational evangelical approach stirred up bitterness and irked both public and private sector institutional memories minders
“How can a learner tell experienced drivers the mechanism of driving a bus on a busy highway, not minding that there were established institutional regulations and ethos before the learner came to be.
Though the above criticism by Nweke might appear harsh, many stakeholders are agreed that she has not done well.
“With over thirteen agencies under the ministry, the Minister that can effectively harness the potential must certainly be a person of long standing presence in the creative ecosystem, who has not only the experience but the drive and enthusiasm to make a difference”, Professor David Onieatan, a culture enthusiast and literary scholar told this newspaper.
Musawa has been accused of policy grandstanding, and many have pointed out her determination to work and operate outside government structured administrative ecosystems as one of the reasons for the alleged dislocations and dysfunctional in the system in the past two years.
Nweke said ,”Sadly, how she survived the last cabinet reshuffle speaks volumes of the seriousness and promises of President Ahmed Tinubu to harness the economic values of the industry.
In the last two years, Hannatu Musa Musawa ranks tops as the most travelled minister in this president Tinubu administration, allegedly on government funds without identifiable deliverables.
Early in the week a viral video called for the sacking of an alleged Hannatu Musa Musawa appointed Director of General Services by the ministry workers. The video trended all over . The Ali Abu Sufiyanu ( the Director General Services) must go calls was another embarrassment.
There have been a lot of controversies, but the icing on the cake is the near revolt of the staff of the ministry seen in form of protest calling for the sack of Ali for incompetence and a slew of grievances that bother on contracts awards without due process.
It’s high time the President reviewed her appointment by moving her to another ministry and bring a competent hand.
Atoyebi a journalist wrote in from Lagos
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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