Creatives Seek $326M FG Support to Boost Sector

Article arrow_drop_down

Over $326M Requested as FG Opens Creative Fund

In just 30 days since applications opened, 1,230 businesses and creatives have applied for funding under Nigeria’s new Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) , requesting a total of $326 million .

The fund, launched by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) , aims to support innovation, job creation, and economic diversification across Nigeria’s creative sector.

Applicants include both creative and non-creative businesses , showing strong interest in the program.

Of those who applied:

  • 71% requested grants
  • 11% chose debt financing
  • 7% opted for equity investment

This early surge highlights the high demand for structured financial support among Nigeria’s creative entrepreneurs.


Government Launches First Phase of CEDF

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the first phase of the Creative Economy Development Fund , marking a major step toward formalizing government support for Nigeria’s booming but often neglected creative industries.

The fund targets key areas such as music, film, fashion, digital content, and cultural tourism—sectors that have long struggled with limited access to capital and institutional backing.

By offering a mix of grants, loans, and equity investments , the CEDF hopes to create a more sustainable ecosystem for creatives to grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.


Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!

What do you think about the FG’s new Creative Economy Development Fund? Will it truly help Nigerian creatives scale—or is more needed?

💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on how Nigeria can better support its growing creative industry.

📢 Help spread awareness by sharing this article with fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers invested in Nigeria’s future.

About the author

trending_flat
“I Have No Regret at All” – Wike Defends Naming Abuja Conference Centre After Tinubu

Wike Stands by Decision to Name Conference Centre After Tinubu Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike , has defended the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu . He made the remarks in Abuja on Friday , during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II , from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction . The decision to rename the facility as the Tinubu International Conference Centre sparked criticism from some members of the public. Others questioned the N39 billion spent on its renovation, calling it a misplaced priority . “I Have No Regret at All,” Says Wike In response to the backlash, Wike said: “I have done it, and I have no regret at all.” He asked why some people were criticising the naming of the […]

trending_flat
Peter Obi Calls for National Emergency Over Benue Killings

Obi Demands National Emergency Over Benue Violence Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent wave of killings in Benue State . More than 200 lives were reportedly lost in a single attack, with many victims being women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons. In a statement released on Sunday, Obi said the tragedy has become too frequent in Nigerian life , and called for a national emergency to address the situation. He described the attacks as not just violence, but a failure of leadership and a moral stain on the country’s conscience. “Every life lost is a Nigerian life—each one precious, each one irreplaceable.” Government Must Act, Not Just React Obi questioned the ability of the government at all levels to protect citizens when such large-scale loss of life continues unchecked. “The primary duty of any government […]

trending_flat
Iran-Bound Businessman Nabbed at Port Harcourt Airport for Ingesting 53 Cocaine Wraps

Cocaine Found in Swallowed Wraps A 44-year-old man, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian , was arrested at Port Harcourt International Airport on 7 June . He was trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Tehran , Iran, when he was stopped by NDLEA officers . A body scan showed signs of drug ingestion. He later excreted 53 wraps of cocaine in six batches. The total weight was 1.172 kilograms . The arrest was announced in a statement by Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA . Ezemokwe admitted to trafficking drugs for two years. He said he had made several trips between West Africa and Iran . Recent Trend Seen in Iran-Bound Flights Less than two weeks earlier, another man, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, 60 , was caught at Kano International Airport with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach while trying to fly […]

trending_flat
Africa’s Richest Man Retires from Refinery After 20 Years as Chairman

Dangote Steps Down as Chairman After Two Decades Aliko Dangote , widely recognized as Africa’s richest man , has officially retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc after serving in that role for over 20 years . His exit marks a major milestone in the history of one of Nigeria’s most iconic industrial enterprises. Dangote, who founded the Dangote Group , has played a central role in shaping the Nigerian sugar industry, driving local production, and reducing reliance on imports. Under his leadership, the refinery became a dominant force in West Africa, known for its efficiency, scale, and commitment to quality. A Legacy of Vision and Impact During his tenure, Dangote oversaw significant growth and modernization of the sugar refining sector in Nigeria. He championed investments in infrastructure, technology upgrades, and policy advocacy aimed […]

trending_flat
“No King Lives Forever” – Governor Fubara Declares Amid Political Battle

Fubara Speaks Out: “No King Lives Forever” Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence, delivering a defiant message amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state. Speaking at a public event in Bonny , Fubara declared: “No king lives forever.” His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct commentary on the political struggle that led to his removal from office and the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu in March. The emergency followed a bitter feud between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Nyesom Wike . As a result, the federal government appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to manage state affairs for six months. Fubara Stands By His Actions In his address, Fubara said he remains confident that time will vindicate him […]

trending_flat
Presidency Denies Conferring National Honour on Aisha Yesufu

Presidency Refutes Viral Claim About Aisha Yesufu’s National Honour The Nigerian Presidency has denied claims that human rights activist Aisha Yesufu was among those conferred with national honours by President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations. In a statement released by Temitope Ajayi , Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the report—widely shared on social media—was declared false . “The story on a viral list of national honours featuring the name of Aisha Yesufu and others is fake news,” Ajayi said in a Facebook post.“It should be ignored.” Ajayi clarified that no new names had been added beyond those announced by President Tinubu during his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 13 . Only 66 Names Officially Announced – Not 102 The controversy followed the circulation […]

Related

trending_flat
“I Have No Regret at All” – Wike Defends Naming Abuja Conference Centre After Tinubu

Wike Stands by Decision to Name Conference Centre After Tinubu Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike , has defended the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu . He made the remarks in Abuja on Friday , during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II , from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction . The decision to rename the facility as the Tinubu International Conference Centre sparked criticism from some members of the public. Others questioned the N39 billion spent on its renovation, calling it a misplaced priority . “I Have No Regret at All,” Says Wike In response to the backlash, Wike said: “I have done it, and I have no regret at all.” He asked why some people were criticising the naming of the […]

trending_flat
Peter Obi Calls for National Emergency Over Benue Killings

Obi Demands National Emergency Over Benue Violence Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent wave of killings in Benue State . More than 200 lives were reportedly lost in a single attack, with many victims being women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons. In a statement released on Sunday, Obi said the tragedy has become too frequent in Nigerian life , and called for a national emergency to address the situation. He described the attacks as not just violence, but a failure of leadership and a moral stain on the country’s conscience. “Every life lost is a Nigerian life—each one precious, each one irreplaceable.” Government Must Act, Not Just React Obi questioned the ability of the government at all levels to protect citizens when such large-scale loss of life continues unchecked. “The primary duty of any government […]

trending_flat
Iran-Bound Businessman Nabbed at Port Harcourt Airport for Ingesting 53 Cocaine Wraps

Cocaine Found in Swallowed Wraps A 44-year-old man, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian , was arrested at Port Harcourt International Airport on 7 June . He was trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Tehran , Iran, when he was stopped by NDLEA officers . A body scan showed signs of drug ingestion. He later excreted 53 wraps of cocaine in six batches. The total weight was 1.172 kilograms . The arrest was announced in a statement by Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA . Ezemokwe admitted to trafficking drugs for two years. He said he had made several trips between West Africa and Iran . Recent Trend Seen in Iran-Bound Flights Less than two weeks earlier, another man, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, 60 , was caught at Kano International Airport with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach while trying to fly […]

trending_flat
Africa’s Richest Man Retires from Refinery After 20 Years as Chairman

Dangote Steps Down as Chairman After Two Decades Aliko Dangote , widely recognized as Africa’s richest man , has officially retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc after serving in that role for over 20 years . His exit marks a major milestone in the history of one of Nigeria’s most iconic industrial enterprises. Dangote, who founded the Dangote Group , has played a central role in shaping the Nigerian sugar industry, driving local production, and reducing reliance on imports. Under his leadership, the refinery became a dominant force in West Africa, known for its efficiency, scale, and commitment to quality. A Legacy of Vision and Impact During his tenure, Dangote oversaw significant growth and modernization of the sugar refining sector in Nigeria. He championed investments in infrastructure, technology upgrades, and policy advocacy aimed […]

trending_flat
Presidency Denies Conferring National Honour on Aisha Yesufu

Presidency Refutes Viral Claim About Aisha Yesufu’s National Honour The Nigerian Presidency has denied claims that human rights activist Aisha Yesufu was among those conferred with national honours by President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations. In a statement released by Temitope Ajayi , Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the report—widely shared on social media—was declared false . “The story on a viral list of national honours featuring the name of Aisha Yesufu and others is fake news,” Ajayi said in a Facebook post.“It should be ignored.” Ajayi clarified that no new names had been added beyond those announced by President Tinubu during his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 13 . Only 66 Names Officially Announced – Not 102 The controversy followed the circulation […]

trending_flat
20 Rescued as Transnational Human Trafficking Gang Busted in Nigeria

Major Human Trafficking Ring Disrupted – 20 Victims Rescued A joint operation by NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has led to the successful disruption of a transnational human trafficking gang , rescuing 20 victims and arresting three key suspects . According to a statement by Vincent Adekoye , NAPTIP’s press officer, the operation targeted an organised criminal network smuggling victims from countries like Equatorial Guinea and Togo into Nigeria for forced labor and other forms of exploitation. The arrests were carried out in coordinated raids across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Osun, and Nasarawa states . Operation Part of Broader Crackdown on Cross-Border Crime This development follows a directive from NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello , who said the agency has intensified surveillance along border communities to stop foreign criminal […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation