By Salif Atojoko

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the creation of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation.

The corporation is aimed at developing critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting on Monday, Musawa explained that the approval was granted under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

She described the initiative as transformative, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries by unlocking their immense potential for economic growth.

“The establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation is a special-purpose vehicle under a PPP framework that will enable us to identify, deploy, and finance critical infrastructure needs within the creative industry,” the Minister said.

She highlighted that the corporation’s objective was to provide the infrastructure necessary to generate at least 100 billion dollars, increase the country’s GDP, and create at least two million jobs for Nigerian youth.

Musawa emphasised the importance of developing world-class infrastructure, attracting investment, nurturing talent and innovation, and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a tool for national growth.

“The funding allocated to the corporation will be used to develop key projects, including the Obudu Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, and the Abuja Creative City.

“Additionally, the corporation will focus on establishing a Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos, the Centre for African Arts, a Digital Distribution Network, and upgrading the National Gallery.

“We also plan to establish a national museum in Abuja. Imagine the giant of Africa not having a museum in its capital city.

“We want to make Nollywood a major destination,” Musawa added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru