Music scholars and practitioners under the umbrella of the Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANIM) have called on the Federal Government to provide stronger policy and financial support for Nigeria’s music industry.
The appeal was made during the association’s 22nd annual conference held at Mountain Top University in Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, ANIM President and lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Femi Abiodun, said music possesses enormous potential for economic growth, job creation and cultural preservation.
He challenged practitioners and scholars to demonstrate how music composition, performance, education and technology can contribute directly to Nigeria’s economic development.
Abiodun identified music tourism as an untapped sector capable of generating significant revenue if properly developed and promoted.
Also speaking, the Head of the Music Department at Mountain Top University, Dr Bayo Ogunyemi, advocated the integration of music into pre-tertiary education and urged institutions to focus on producing musical instruments and technologies locally.
He further called for a review of Nigeria’s copyright laws to address emerging realities such as artificial intelligence and digital streaming.
Participants at the conference agreed that with the right investment and regulatory support, Nigeria’s music industry can become a stronger driver of economic growth and employment.
