Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced an ambitious plan to generate $100 billion by 2030 following the approval of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation by the Federal Executive Council.
According to the minister, the newly established corporation will be responsible for investing in and developing infrastructure for Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is expected to unlock the vast potential of these industries, boost economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s position on the global stage.
Musawa emphasized that Nigeria is a country rich in creative talent, and this corporation will harness technology, art, culture, and tourism to propel the creative economy forward. She described the project as a dedicated vehicle designed under the PPP framework to identify, fund, and implement crucial infrastructure projects that will support the industry’s growth.
“There’s a global interest in Nigeria’s creative scene—not just because of our talent but because of the unique cultural context we bring. President Tinubu is highly focused on diversifying the economy, and one of the key pillars of that strategy is the creative industry,” Musawa explained.
The minister also revealed that the government is actively engaging with global development partners and key stakeholders to explore innovative financing and infrastructure development strategies. The corporation’s primary goal is to lay down the necessary infrastructure foundation that will not only strengthen the creative and tourism industries but also contribute at least $100 billion to the GDP while generating over 2 million jobs, particularly for young Nigerians.
She reiterated the government’s vision to build world-class infrastructure that will attract investment, nurture talent, and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. “We want to close the infrastructure gap because, while there is undeniable value in the creative and tourism industries, that value can only be fully realized if we create the right environment for their growth,” she stated.
Despite the abundance of creative talent in Nigeria, a significant challenge has been the lack of infrastructure. Musawa referenced the massive turnout for December’s entertainment events in Lagos, popularly referred to as ‘Detty December,’ highlighting how a better infrastructure framework could have further amplified the economic impact.
“Imagine if Detty December had the right infrastructure to support its expansion. The economic impact would be much greater. We want to build on such opportunities to fully tap into the sector’s value,” she noted.
Speaking on upcoming projects, Musawa mentioned plans for a luxury resort in Abuja, the revitalization of Yankari Game Reserve, the development of Abuja Creative City, the expansion of cinema screens to 5,000 nationwide, and the establishment of a Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Lagos Center for African Arts. Other initiatives include a digital distribution network, upgrades to the National Gallery, an expansion of the National Arena to accommodate 100,000 people, and the establishment of a national museum in Abuja.
“It’s astonishing that Nigeria, often called the ‘Giant of Africa,’ does not yet have a national museum in its capital. We also want to position Nollywood as a major global entertainment hub and establish a dedicated music arena to showcase our industry’s talent,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, Musawa described this as a significant moment for Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors. “This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about shifting the mindset to truly recognize and harness the immense value these industries can bring to the Nigerian economy.”
