Nigeria Generates N30 Billion Annually from Interior Design Industry

Nigeria's interior design industry contributes an estimated N30 billion annually to the national economy, according to Hanatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. Musawa made this announcement during the 2026 Interior Design Summit in Abuja, emphasizing the sector's unique position within the country's creative economy and its intimate connection to Nigerian culture.

Represented at the summit by Moriam Ajaga, Special Assistant to the President on Arts and Culture, Musawa lauded the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) for its efforts. She specifically praised the IDAN FCT Chapter for organizing the summit and acknowledged IDAN's broader work in advocating for curriculum reform and professional standards, as well as its affiliation with the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers.

Musawa highlighted the government's commitment to the creative economy under President Bola Tinubu's Renew Hope Agenda, noting Nigeria's 16-place climb on the Global Soft Power Index as evidence of culture's growing international recognition. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy is actively developing policy and financing frameworks for creative sectors, including design, through four high-level drafting committees. The "Nigeria Everywhere" strategy aims to integrate Nigerian creative industries into the nation's global brand, with a focus on showcasing homegrown design excellence in public institutions.

Discussions are underway regarding grants, tax incentives, and investment readiness programs for the design sector. Musawa stated the ministry recognizes the importance of these structures and is working to ensure Nigerian designers are prioritized for projects within Nigerian spaces, including government and public buildings.