LAGOS, NIGERIA – May 15, 2025 – The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), through its National Secretariat in Lekki, Lagos, has issued a nationwide call to all members, stakeholders, and professionals in the creative and cultural industries to immediately engage with the newly launched Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF).
The official rollout of the CEDF, which is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Hon. Minister Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, marks a historic moment for Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
In a formal statement signed by PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, the association praised the initiative as “a direct manifestation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” aligning with long-standing advocacy for structured institutional support for creative professionals in Nigeria.
“The era of neglect is over,” Okafor declared. “The Federal Government is signaling its seriousness in empowering the sector. We must respond with equal seriousness.”
The first phase of the fund, which runs from April 28 to May 30, 2025, specifically targets mature creative businesses in need of financial support exceeding $100,000.
Eligible applicants include performing musicians, music producers, event organizers, composers, digital music platforms, and other value creators within the artistic and cultural spectrum.
The fund covers a wide range of creative sectors, including: Fashion and Textiles; Film, Animation, and Cinema; Music and Digital Media; Art, Heritage, and Cultural Curation; Tourism, Events, and Creative Technology; Gaming, XR/VR, and Interactive Media
CEDF provides affordable loans, equity and quasi-equity investment options, and grants. Notably, it introduces innovative financial models that allow artists to use Intellectual Property (IP) — such as music catalogs, copyrights, and digital rights — as viable collateral.
PMAN noted that its introduction of the Biometric Card System and other data-driven frameworks helped lay the groundwork for this kind of institutional support. “We have consistently pushed for mechanisms that recognize the creative entrepreneur as a key player in national development,” said Okafor.
He further instructed all PMAN members and affiliate associations nationwide to visit www.cedfnigeria.com and ensure timely submission of their project proposals and financial documents.
The PMAN leadership extended its heartfelt commendation to President Tinubu for prioritizing the creative economy and to Minister Hannatu Musawa, whom Okafor described as “a true champion of the arts.”
“This is more than just a loan scheme. It is a national call to action — to scale our dreams, professionalize our practices, and amplify Nigeria’s cultural voice on the global stage,” he added.
For more information and application details, visit: www.cedfnigeria.com
Issued by:
PMAN National Secretariat
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