The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop ultra-luxury 7-star hotels, build a world-class entertainment and concert arena, and rehabilitate national museums as part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy.
The proposed initiatives are being structured through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and were deliberated during a high-level engagement between the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy in Abuja.
The discussions also explored international collaborations, including potential partnerships with global streaming giant Netflix to boost film production, skills development, and growth within Nigeria’s creative industries.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the government views infrastructure expansion as a critical lever for unlocking value across tourism, entertainment, and the wider creative economy ecosystem.
Speaking at the meeting, Hannatu Musawa, minister of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy, said Nigeria’s global cultural influence has not been matched by adequate infrastructure capable of hosting international-scale events.
She noted that while Nigeria enjoys global recognition for its music, fashion, film, and cuisine, the absence of modern hospitality and entertainment facilities has forced citizens and investors to seek major events outside the country, resulting in significant economic losses.
Musawa added that addressing these infrastructure gaps could unlock up to $100 billion in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, while also positioning Abuja and other major cities as premier tourism and entertainment destinations.
On his part, Jobson Ewalefoh, director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to support bankable tourism and creative economy projects capable of delivering long-term economic impact.
Ewalefoh said the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu places strong emphasis on infrastructure development across sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.
He added that the ICRC has simplified PPP approval processes to improve investor confidence, while maintaining strict standards for transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that leveraging private sector capital through structured PPP frameworks remains one of the most viable pathways to closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap and transforming the country into a leading tourism and entertainment hub in Africa.
