Repositioning Arts and Culture for Economic Development of Niger State

Abstract

Many nations, especially those that have depended solely on just one or even two sources of foreign exchange earner have been trying to diversify their economies as a strategic means of generating revenue for the development of their respective societies. Nigeria is one such nation that has since discovered the need to look for additional sources of revenue generation. Niger State is one of the 36 federating states of Nigeria. It also needs to diversify its economy. This article discusses how arts and culture, if properly repositioned can generate additional income for the state and also create jobs for the teeming youths. The paper focuses mainly on the many tourist sites that can attract visitors both from within the state, Nigeria and even from abroad. A survey of the major sites has been carried out and analyesd. It was discovered that some of these sites/centres, like the Bida Brass and Glass Works actually used to be vibrant and well patronised in the past. Unfortunately, since the last twenty years, the fortunes of the place have drastically reduced. The article concludes with a recommendation that the Niger State government as well as interested investors should take deliberate and practical steps to rehabilitate/ reposition the numerous tourist centres/sites identified. This will generate additional revenue needed for the development of Niger State instead of basically depending on monthly revenue allocation from the federation account.