THE federal government has approved the creation of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, a key initiative designed to unlock the immense economic potential of Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the development on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
She described it as a major step toward transforming the nation’s creative landscape.
“This initiative aims to propel Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries to new heights by developing critical infrastructure that will boost economic growth and global soft power,” Musawa said.
Established in October 2024, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has been tasked with fostering creativity and innovation to enhance Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
Musawa emphasised that the new corporation will serve as a “special-purpose vehicle” for identifying, deploying, and financing critical infrastructure within the creative sector, addressing long-standing challenges.
“We all know that Nigeria’s creativity attracts global attention, and the President has been intentional about diversifying the government’s focus to include the creative industry and innovation,” she said.
Key objectives of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation include generating $100 billion in GDP growth and creating at least two million jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s youth.
Development partners and stakeholders from around the world have been engaged to support the innovative infrastructure and financing approaches required for the project.
Highlighting the infrastructure gap that has limited the sector’s growth, Musawa cited last December’s “Detty December” celebrations in Lagos as an example of Nigeria’s creative potential. “Imagine the impact if such events had the necessary infrastructure to support their growth,” she said.
Several large-scale projects have been outlined under the initiative, including:The creation of an Abuja resort range, expansion of Yankari Game Reserve,development of an Abuja Creator City,construction of 5,000 new cinema screens,establishment of a Wole Soyinka Center for African Arts in Lagos,a nationwide digital distribution network and upgrades to the National Gallery and national arena capacity
One notable project is the construction of a national museum in Abuja. “Imagine the Giant of Africa without a museum in its capital city—this is a gap we are determined to fill,” Musawa said.
The initiative also includes plans to position Nollywood as a global destination for film production and develop a world-class music arena.
Musawa expressed optimism for the future. “This is a wonderful day for Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries. By bridging the infrastructure gap and fostering a new mindset, we can fully realize the economic value of these sectors and deliver widespread benefits to the Nigerian public.”