The Federal Government says as the nation heads into year 2020, “the successful commercialisation of the Creative industry” will be its number one priority.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in Lagos at the 6th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

AFRIMA is an annual awards event established by the International Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with African Union to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the continent.

The minister said creative industry commercialisation would create jobs, reduce crime, be a major source of foreign exchange and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.

Mohammed added that it would rebrand the country internationally and boost Gross Domestic Product.

“We in government are tackling all impediments to the industry from thriving.

“We are making cheaper and longer term financing available for the industry, especially for infrastructural projects, like Concert halls across the six geo-political zones of the country.

“This was recently announced by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The collecting society issues that have plagued collective administrations have now been put on the front burner by the Attorney General.

“People who use music must pay for it, no more excuses,” he said.

Mohammed said that the government would also pay prioritise the commercialisation of the digital economy.

He said that besides making data cheaper, it would ensure that owners of content make more money from the use of their works.

Mohammed said government would clean up the advertising industry and ensure that proper measurement of content exist and are collated.

This promises to add at least N50bn annually to the Creative Sector,” he said.

He assured that government would continue to play its role in making sure the business of music works for those who engage in it.

The minister welcomed participants and critical stakeholders in the entertainment industry across Africa that gathered at the event.

He congratulated the organisers of AFRIMA on another successful hosting of the prestigious awards as well as all nominees and awardees.

“A lot goes into making an industry.

“For the Creative industry, it is the artistes, the managers, platforms, agents, marketers, investors and of course the event organisers, which include Award events and concerts.

“So, thank you, AFRIMA, for playing your role in the explosion, development and success of first, our Afrobeat, and African Music in general,” he said.

This man keeps quoting himself out of context at all time. Even when he have something good to say.