Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors aim to generate $100 billion and 2 million jobs by 2030 through major infrastructure investments

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has projected that Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries will generate at least $100 billion by 2030.

This initiative is expected to significantly boost the country’s GDP while creating at least two million jobs, particularly for young people.

Musawa made this announcement on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

She highlighted the longstanding challenges facing the creative sector, particularly the lack of infrastructure, and how the government’s latest initiative will address these issues.

> “Today, the council approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation to invest in and develop Nigeria’s creative and tourism industry infrastructure under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework,” Musawa stated.

She described the initiative as a **transformative step** towards unlocking Nigeria’s creative potential, attracting investment, and positioning the country as a global cultural powerhouse.

Musawa emphasised that while Nigeria has abundant talent and cultural assets, the absence of proper infrastructure has stifled growth.

The government’s new approach aims to bridge this gap through strategic projects and international partnerships.

> “We aim to develop world-class infrastructure, attract investment, nurture talent and innovation, and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a tool for both global and local growth,” she explained.

She cited the massive success of *Detty December* in Lagos as an example of Nigeria’s creative potential, stating that with proper infrastructure, such events could generate even greater economic value.

The government’s infrastructure plan includes:

– **Abuja Resort Range** and **Yankari Game Reserve** development
– **Abuja Creative City** for film, music, and digital content production
– **5,000 cinema screens** to expand Nollywood’s reach
– **Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre for African Arts** in Lagos
– **A digital distribution network** for creative content
– **National Gallery upgrades**
– **Expansion of the National Arena to 100,000 capacity**
– **A new national museum in Abuja**

Musawa noted that it was unacceptable for Africa’s largest economy to lack a national museum in its capital. Additionally, the plan includes making **Nollywood a global destination** and building dedicated **music arenas across Nigeria**.

With a growing global interest in Nigerian music, film, and art, the government’s renewed focus on infrastructure is expected to **elevate the creative and tourism sectors to unprecedented heights**.

The initiative is also aligned with President Tinubu’s vision to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by investing in innovation and culture.

> “It’s an exciting day for the tourism industry. We have begun a journey to implement not just infrastructure but also a new mentality that will allow us to fully realise the value of these industries for all Nigerians,” Musawa concluded.