Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s full backing for Nigeria’s campaign to secure an Academy Award, offering access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE).
This support is aimed at propelling Nigeria’s Oscar entry, ‘Mai Martaba’, directed by Prince Daniel, to clinch a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Speaking at a meeting with the ‘Mai Martaba’ team, led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Shettima expressed his excitement about the project.
He described the day as “a good day to be a Nigerian,” and stressed the importance of national unity through the film industry.“We will make sure that the kaleidoscope that represents all the colours in our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project,” he said, urging Nigerians to come together for the success of the film.
“There is more that binds than divides us. We are essentially one people,” he added.
Shettima emphasised the significance of the iDICE programme, which aims to boost investment in digital and creative industries, giving creators access to the fund.
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He also encouraged Musawa to lead the charge in mobilizing resources for Nigeria’s Oscar bid.
“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 affirmed.
Mai Martaba explores themes of power, love, and female leadership in an ancient African kingdom, and has already been selected as Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars.
The film is seen as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest for global recognition in the film industry.
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Minister Musawa spoke of ongoing efforts to build the creative sector, revealing agreements with countries like South Korea, the UK, Japan, China, and France to promote co-productions.
She highlighted the global interest in Nigerian talent and creativity, noting that the creative industry holds the potential to surpass oil in contributing to the nation’s GDP.
“We’re working with investors who have already committed to building the creative industry. The whole world is interested in Nigeria – not because of our oil, but because of our talent, content, and creativity,” Musawa said.
Musawa also addressed the funding challenges facing the industry, stressing the need for better infrastructure to support high-quality productions.
She emphasised that every Nigerian, regardless of their background, has the potential to create content and contribute to the industry.
Prince Daniel, director of Mai Martaba, spoke about the rapid growth of Nigeria’s creative sector. He pointed out that broadcasting now contributes more to Nigeria’s GDP than oil, generating significant employment opportunities and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
“Broadcasting contributes 12.3% to GDP. The creative industry and broadcasting in April 2020 did more than oil and mining combined,” he said. “We’ve created over 500 jobs and provided work for almost 100 people. We’re excited because we want to go for the next Oscars.”
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Daniel also acknowledged the importance of federal government support in securing an Oscar. Drawing parallels with South Africa’s Oscar win for Tsotsi in 2006, he emphasised that backing from the government is crucial for successful lobbying and international exposure.
Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Oscars, Stephanie Linus, echoed Daniel’s sentiments. She stated that the Oscar campaign is not just about recognition but about building Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.
“This isn’t just about international recognition. We need to start building our presence on the global stage now, not in one or two years,” Linus said.
The Oscars represent the biggest platform for celebrating cinema. With strong government support and the growing global interest in Nigerian cinema, Mai Martaba is set to be a key player in Nigeria’s pursuit of Oscar glory.
