FG to Build Arena that Will Hold Global Concerts
The federal government has finalised plans to establish a befitting world-class arena that will host top international artists and events.
According to the Minister of Culture, Art, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the newly established Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation has a projected investment of $100 billion and the potential to generate over two million jobs.
Speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday, Musawa revealed that the ministry has set a target of 500,000 new jobs to be created by the sector by 2030. She also disclosed that the ministry has already attracted $300 million investment into the sector.
One of the major projects being undertaken by the ministry is the construction of a global standard arena that will host concerts and events featuring top artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, and Beyonce. Musawa stated that the arena will be delivered soon, and Nigerians will no longer have to travel to other countries to watch their favorite artists perform.
“We will be delivering that arena to you very, very soon. And with the data, like I said, the data is key. Some of the other projects that we have just recently finalized are the renovation of the Nigeria House in Bahia and the Renewable Arts Pavilion, which is a major milestone for a national museum here in Nigeria,” Musawa said.
The minister also announced plans to build creative hubs across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with three already underway. Additionally, the ministry is conducting a mapping exercise that will provide open source data on the entertainment and tourism industry, which will inform investment prioritization and program design.
Other achievements under the current administration include the launch of the Destination 2030, Nigeria everywhere; Motherland 2025 initiative, which aims to reconnect Nigerians in the diaspora with their roots and position Nigeria as a global tourism hub.
The country has also secured three UNESCO inscriptions for the Shango Festival in Oyo and the Kano-Jaro Festival in Waifu, and will host the 1968 meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa’s Path in Abuja from June 11-13.
Musawa emphasized that the ministry’s strategic partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and private sector leaders have positioned Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors as a vibrant and inclusive economic pillar capable of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“Mr. President has asked us to bring economic growth, create jobs, and reposition Nigeria. And I can tell you that is exactly what the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is doing,” Musawa said.
The minister’s announcement has been met with excitement and anticipation from industry stakeholders and Nigerians alike, who see the potential for the country to become a major hub for entertainment and tourism in Africa.
