The Federal Government has urged entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the creative sector to invest in the development of Abuja Creative City (ACC), a project designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for innovation, media, culture, and entertainment.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Creative Park Limited.
Starreporters reports that the collaborative agreement aims to develop ACC as a thriving entertainment, culture, and creative hub while creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Musawa, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, highlighted key benefits for investors, including tax incentives for a specified period, reduced rates for essential utilities such as water and electricity, and a streamlined process for business registration and operations. The project, scheduled for completion within five years, is expected to stimulate economic growth and cultural expansion.
“This initiative, driven by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It represents an unprecedented step towards economic and cultural development,” Musawa stated.
“The vision is not just about developing the creative industry but about empowering future generations. This is a historic opportunity, and I encourage investors and creative entrepreneurs to be part of it,” she added.
The minister described Abuja Creative City as a landmark project that will celebrate Nigeria’s rich history through arts, music, film, and various creative expressions, making it Africa’s cultural flagship centre. The city will also feature world-class recreational facilities, including theatres and cinemas, to enhance the creative industry and economic activities in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Creative Park Limited, Bayo Omoboriowo, commended the government for embracing a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the project.
He revealed that the creative city, spanning 50 hectares, would provide world-class infrastructure similar to global creative hubs like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Dubai Media City, and London’s Techhub.
“This is more than just infrastructure; it is about the Nigerian people and their immense potential. We are creating an ecosystem that will attract talent, provide funding opportunities from both private and public sectors, and build the Nigeria we truly need,” Omoboriowo said.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and private sector, noting that the country must transition from merely exporting raw talent to developing products and industries that drive sustainable economic growth.
“This is the future, and the future is now,” he added.
(NAN)