Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured federal backing for Mai Martaba, Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Speaking at a meeting with the film’s team, led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Shettima pledged access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE) to bolster the country’s creative industry.
“It’s a good day to be a Nigerian,” Shettima said at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. He highlighted the power of cinema to unify the nation, adding, “We will make sure that the kaleidoscope representing all the colours of our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project. There is more that binds than divides us.”
Shettima tasked the Minister to spearhead efforts to mobilize resources for the Oscar campaign, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s potential to secure the prestigious award. “By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. There is beauty in numbers. I want to reiterate my unflinching support for us to get the Oscars,” he declared.
Mai Martaba: A Cultural Milestone
Directed by Prince Daniel, Mai Martaba explores themes of power, love, and female leadership in an ancient African kingdom. It serves as both an artistic showcase and a symbol of Nigeria’s expanding creative sector.
Musawa revealed plans to strengthen the industry through co-production agreements with South Korea, the UK, Japan, China, and France. She also highlighted the vision to establish a media city as a one-stop hub for nine creative sectors, addressing infrastructure challenges that hinder world-class film production in Nigeria.
“Every Nigerian, even in rural settings, has the ability to create content on their phone and empower themselves for decent job futures,” Musawa added, emphasizing the untapped potential of grassroots creators.
Economic Impact of the Creative Sector
Prince Daniel, the film’s director, noted the growing economic influence of Nigeria’s creative industry, which now contributes more to the country’s GDP than oil, with broadcasting alone accounting for 12.3%.
“We’ve created over 500 jobs through Mai Martaba and are excited to aim for the next Oscars,” he said. Daniel also cited South Africa’s 2006 Oscar win with Tsotsi as an inspiration, emphasizing how such recognition can transform a nation’s creative sector.
Stephanie Linus, Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Oscars, underscored the significance of Nigeria’s participation. “The Oscars represent the biggest platform for celebrating cinema. We need to build our presence on the global stage now, not in one or two years,” she said.
A Catalyst for Growth
As Mai Martaba embarks on its Oscar journey, stakeholders view the campaign as a crucial step toward solidifying Nigeria’s global cultural influence and stimulating further investment in the creative economy. The combined efforts of the federal government, industry leaders, and grassroots creators aim to establish Nigeria as a formidable force in global cinema.
