The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC).
Minister of art, culture and creative economy Hannatu Musawa announced the approval after the FEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
Operating under a public-private partnership model, the CTIC aims to inject $100 billion into the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 and generate two million jobs, particularly for young people.
Highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s creative industry, Musawa cited the vibrant “Dirty December” festivities in Lagos as an example of the sector’s impact. However, she argued that with proper infrastructure, such events could significantly enhance the country’s economic growth and global image.
“Just last year, December, everybody saw what happened in Lagos, the Dirty December; this was a huge, huge way of showing the world that Nigeria really has what it can offer to the world when it comes to the creative industry.
“But can you imagine if Dirty December was supported by the proper infrastructure that will allow its growth? We want to leverage that output to make sure that we can really have the value, the vast value, that can bring economic growth through this industry,” Musawa stated.
The CTIC, envisioned as a special-purpose vehicle, will work with private partners and development stakeholders worldwide to finance and deploy critical infrastructure in the creative and tourism industries. Proposed projects include upgrades to the Obudu Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, and the Abuja Creative City.
The corporation will also oversee the establishment of a Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos, a Centre for African Arts, and a Digital Distribution Network. Additionally, plans include upgrading the National Gallery and building a national museum in Abuja.
“We want to bring a national museum to Abuja. Imagine the giant of Africa not having a museum in its capital city.
“We want to bring Nollywood and realise Nollywood as a proper destination, and I spoke about the music arenas that we need to have all over the country.”
The minister emphasised the importance of world-class infrastructure in showcasing Nigeria’s creative potential. Despite abundant talent, she noted, the lack of physical infrastructure remains a major hindrance to the sector’s growth.
