FG Backs NIPSS Drive To Unlock Nigeria's Orange Economy For Jobs, Growth

The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind efforts by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to unlock the potential of Nigeria's Orange Economy as a driver of job creation, entrepreneurship and economic diversification. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the backing on Tuesday in Abuja when the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, led a delegation from the institute on a courtesy visit to discuss the research of Senior Executive Course 48 and plans for a National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy. Idris described NIPSS's decision to focus its research on the Orange Economy as timely, particularly against the backdrop of the need to create more economic opportunities for young Nigerians and diversify the country's sources of growth. He pledged the support of the Ministry and its agencies for the institute's research and the proposed summit, stressing that effective communication would be critical to exposing Nigerians and the international community to opportunities in the creative economy. 'This Ministry is essentially about taking information to the public and taking it back from the public. It is a two-way thing,' the minister said. According to him, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), with its nationwide presence, could provide useful feedback on the views and aspirations of Nigerians at the grassroots. Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to listening to citizens and adjusting policies and programmes where necessary in the national interest. 'The first question the President asks whenever I sit with him is: 'What are Nigerians saying?'' he said. The minister also said the Information Ministry would designate an official to work with NIPSS to improve coordination and collaboration as preparations for the proposed summit advance. Earlier, Omotayo said NIPSS was seeking the partnership of the ministry for the institute's research and the planned national summit, which is expected to examine how the Orange Economy can contribute to Nigeria's economic transformation and the ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy. He disclosed that participants in Senior Executive Course 48 had undertaken research visits across Nigeria and to several countries to examine how creative industries are being developed and deployed to generate economic value. 'The Orange Economy is a very huge sector. We have identified about 48 subdivisions, and we believe the summit will bring out the potentials in every sector,' Omotayo said. He said the research had also highlighted the capacity of the sector to address youth unemployment and create new opportunities through Nigeria's expanding creative and digital industries. The proposed summit is expected to bring together government representatives, creatives, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders to explore ways of converting the country's creative potential into sustainable economic opportunities. Idris reaffirmed the ministry's willingness to work with NIPSS and other strategic institutions to translate research and policy ideas into practical opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians, while strengthening the country's position in the global creative economy.