The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has teamed up with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to create a state-of-the-art National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism, and Sports Innovation Hub at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. This bold partnership, announced through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in the development of Nigeria’s creative and sporting sectors.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described the collaboration as “a new dawn for Nigeria’s creative and sporting sectors.” She expressed her belief in the transformative power of the initiative, saying, “For young Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s programmes focus on building a better future through diversification in sports and the creative industries. This project will empower the youth, promote our culture, and build capacity nationwide.”
Musawa’s vision extends beyond Abuja. She envisions similar hubs emerging in states across Nigeria, accelerating job creation, boosting the national economy, and contributing to addressing the country’s security challenges.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, shared his excitement about the project’s potential. “We want to revive our sports infrastructure to showcase Nigeria’s rich history, culture, and sport, providing a dynamic environment for creatives and athletes alike,” Dikko remarked. He further unveiled the goal of transforming the stadium precinct into a bustling “sports city,” with a planned 4,000 events annually.
The planned hub will feature cutting-edge facilities designed to nurture talent and celebrate Nigeria’s diverse heritage. Key attractions will include a National Museum of Arts and Culture, an Entertainment Arena, a Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Centre, Eco-Villas, Family Recreational Parks, Cultural Lounges, Marketplaces, a Mounted Games Arena, and a Sports Heritage Pavilion.
This collaboration will be driven by a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with both the FMACTCE and NSC providing institutional support to ensure alignment with national policies. The initiative aims to foster cross-sector dialogue, blending arts, culture, tourism, and sports, while also drawing investment from both local and international sources.
Minister Musawa summed up the partnership’s significance by saying, “By building this ecosystem bridging the museum, tourism, and creative sectors, we are creating immense value for all Nigerians.”
