The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the Abuja Creative City (ACC), a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing Nigeria as Africa’s premier hub for innovation, media, culture, and entertainment.
Speaking at the signing event on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized that the Abuja Creative City would serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of Nigeria’s tourism sector. She highlighted that the project would provide entrepreneurs with ample opportunities to tap into the vast creative talents and economic potential within the country.
Prior to signing the MoU, Musawa said, “President Bola Tinubu is committed to giving the youth of Nigeria an opportunity they’ve never had before—creating an ecosystem that fosters the growth of the creative industry. The Abuja Creative City is the manifestation of that vision.”
She further underscored the unique cultural and creative energy that Nigeria offers, saying, “When you come to Nigeria, you experience a different energy. We are a great people because of our culture and creativity. There is no country in the world that matches the content and talent we have here.”
Musawa stressed that the project is not just about building the creative industry but about empowering future generations. “The creative industry has the power to transform Nigeria and reposition us on the global stage,” she stated. “The mission is clear: to make Nigeria the cultural hub of Africa. This park will embody that vision and help us realize the goal of positioning Nigeria as the cultural heart of the continent.”
The minister further added that the Abuja Creative City would also contribute significantly to the ministry’s mandate of advancing the nation’s tourism industry. “People will travel to Nigeria just to experience the Abuja Creative City,” she noted.
The MoU was officially signed by Musawa and Bayo Omoboriowo, the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Park Limited.
In his remarks, Omoboriowo highlighted the importance of developing Nigeria’s creative industry, emphasizing that the country’s creative sector is poised to become a major force. “Nigeria is no longer a country to be underestimated. Our creative industry will no longer be just about art for art’s sake, but art for industry,” he said. “This initiative is more than just infrastructure; it’s about empowering the Nigerian people. At the Creative Park, we are building the ecosystem that will attract investment and drive growth in the sector.”
Spanning 50 hectares, the Abuja Creative City is designed to offer world-class infrastructure, drawing inspiration from successful global creative hubs such as NEOM, Dubai Media City, and TechHub London. According to a statement from Jummai Ali, the Special Assistant on Compliance and Coordination to the Minister, the Abuja Creative City will set the standard for sustainable development, incorporating renewable technologies to minimize its environmental impact.
“The Abuja Creative City will celebrate Nigeria’s rich history, showcasing arts, music, film, and other creative expressions, while positioning itself as Africa’s flagship cultural center,” the statement read. It further noted that the project would replicate the success of global entertainment landmarks, featuring world-class recreational facilities like theatres and cinemas, creating more opportunities for creatives in Nigeria.
The Abuja Creative City is expected to offer a range of benefits for investors, including tax incentives for a specified period. Additionally, the project plans to introduce reduced rates for utilities such as water and electricity during the initial development phase. The city will also streamline business registration, licensing, and operational processes, making it an attractive destination for global enterprises and investors.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a leader in the global creative economy, the Abuja Creative City promises to be a transformative hub that will reshape the country’s cultural and economic landscape.
