Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa

Hannatu Musa Musawa is the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, a seasoned lawyer, arbitrator, political activist, and human rights advocate. She holds a Law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK, a Master’s in Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales, and a Master’s in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

With an extensive career spanning both Nigeria and the UK, Hannatu has worked as a litigation lawyer, legal advisor, and principal partner of her own firm, Hanney Musawa & Associates. Early in her career, she trained under the late Chief Clement Akpamgbo, former Attorney General of the Federation, and also contributed to national justice reforms during the Oputa Panel (Human Rights Violations Commission).

Beyond the legal field, Hannatu has been a fearless political voice since 2003, actively involved in Nigeria’s democratic journey. She played a key role as part of the prosecution’s legal team in the 2003 Presidential Election Petition between General Muhammadu Buhari and General Olusegun Obasanjo. She has also been a consistent columnist, using her platform to speak on peace, justice, and the rights of ordinary Nigerians.

As a women’s rights and human rights activist, Hannatu has dedicated her career to advocacy, leadership, and public service. In 2011, she contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives in Katsina State. Today, as Minister, she is driving Nigeria’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors toward becoming global engines of growth, innovation, and national pride.