FG calls on stakeholders to invest in Abuja Creative City
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has urged entrepreneurs and key players in the creative sector to invest in the Abuja Creative City (ACC), a project aimed at transforming Nigeria into Africa’s leading hub for innovation, media, culture, and entertainment.
Musawa made this appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Creative Park Limited.
The agreement is intended to establish the ACC as a major entertainment, culture, and creative hub, while also generating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Musawa highlighted that the ACC is a groundbreaking initiative designed to boost Nigeria’s creative economy. She noted that the project, which is set for completion within five years, will offer several incentives to investors, including tax breaks for a specified period and reduced rates for utilities such as water and electricity during the initial phase.
“This initiative by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Musawa stated.
“It is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will significantly expand Nigeria’s economic, cultural, and tourism potential. This project creates an ecosystem where our creative industry can flourish. Today is a proud moment for me because I can see the president’s vision materialising.
“President Tinubu’s vision is not just about growing the creative sector but about empowering future generations. I urge investors and creative entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity and be part of this historic project that will drive sustainable economic development.”
Musawa emphasised that the Abuja Creative City will serve as a cultural landmark, showcasing Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage through music, film, and other creative expressions. She added that the city will feature world-class recreational facilities, including theatres and cinemas, to foster creativity and stimulate economic activity in Abuja.
To attract global enterprises, the project will also streamline business registration, licensing, and operational processes, making the ACC a favourable destination for investors.
In his remarks, Mr Bayo Omoboriowo, Managing Director of Creative Park Limited, commended Musawa for spearheading the ACC as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
He revealed that the creative city, spanning 50 hectares of land, will be developed to meet global standards, similar to renowned creative hubs such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Dubai Media City, and TechHub in London.
“This project goes beyond infrastructure; it is about the Nigerian people—people brimming with potential. For too long, our talents have been undervalued, and now is the time for change,” Omoboriowo said.
“This is about repatriation and the future. We are building an ecosystem that will attract talent and investment, ensuring that ideas are transformed into products and industries. Nigeria must no longer be an exporter of raw talent—we must become producers and innovators.
“This transformation requires collaboration between the government and the private sector. It is only through joint efforts that we can create opportunities, uplift people out of poverty, and build the Nigeria we truly envision.”
The Abuja Creative City project marks a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s creative industry and positioning the country as a cultural and entertainment powerhouse in Africa.
