Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has deferred the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), citing the country’s sensitive security climate and the need for national empathy.
The festival—originally scheduled to open on November 22 in Enugu—had already drawn participation from 28 states, cultural troupes, artisans, scholars and creative industry stakeholders. But according to a statement issued by Nneka Anibeze, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, the recent wave of insecurity across various states required a reassessment of national priorities.
A Pause Anchored in Empathy and National Sensitivity
Minister Hannatu Musawa, after wide consultations with security authorities, state delegates and cultural leaders, approved the postponement, describing it as an act of national solidarity.
“Out of respect for the lives lost and in recognition of the nation’s grieving mood, it is more responsible to pause the festival than proceed,” the statement noted.
The Federal Government emphasised that while NAFEST remains one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments of cultural diplomacy, unity, and soft power, advancing with the festival at a time of national sorrow would undermine the spirit of collective empathy.
NAFEST: A Cultural Powerhouse on Hold, Not Abandoned
NAFEST has historically served as a cultural engine room—showcasing Nigeria’s multiplicity of traditions, bridging ethnic divides, and projecting a global narrative of unity and creativity.
This year’s edition, with Enugu State as host, was expected to reinforce Nigeria’s message of resilience, vibrancy, and creative strength, especially as the creative economy becomes a national development priority.
But government officials insist the postponement does not signal retreat—it reflects responsibility.
A new date will be announced following further consultations with stakeholders, host communities and national security agencies.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Culture & National Healing
The Ministry expressed gratitude to all participating states, cultural troupes, partners and the Nigerian public for their understanding, assuring that the rescheduled edition will be even more impactful.
“Our commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s cultural richness remains unwavering,” the Minister said. “NAFEST will return stronger, more unifying, and more reflective of the Nigeria we aspire to build.”
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT
The postponement of NAFEST 2025 underscores a growing reality: culture cannot thrive without assured security and national stability. Nigeria’s creative economy—worth billions and emerging as a major soft-power asset—depends heavily on national cohesion and security.
While the pause is painful for Enugu and the wider cultural ecosystem, it is also a strategic reset that positions NAFEST to return as a more unifying, sensitively executed national event.
