The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has renewed her call for strategic partnerships and increased private-sector investment to accelerate Nigeria’s transformation into a globally competitive destination for tourism, culture, and creative enterprise.
She made the appeal at the eighth edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the umbrella body for private-sector operators in the tourism industry. This year’s edition has the theme “National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership” with the sub-theme “Investing in Nigeria’s Tourism Future.”
Speaking in Abuja at the one-day event, the minister described NTIFE as more than a gathering of stakeholders, but a platform for harnessing Nigeria’s rich cultural wealth and converting it into sustainable economic value.
“NTIFE is not just a platform for bringing people together to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural wealth but an invitation to transform that wealth into lasting economic growth and global impact,” Musawa said.
She noted that the creation of the new Ministry signalled the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to position culture, tourism and the creative industries as central pillars of national development. Under this vision, the sector aims to contribute $100 billion to the economy by 2030 and create more than two million jobs, especially for young people.
Musawa highlighted ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps and policy bottlenecks that have historically slowed growth in the sector. She explained that the Ministry has begun implementing frameworks and infrastructure plans to strengthen the industry and attract investors.
Calling on investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s vast cultural and creative potential, she said:
“I extend a call to investors, stakeholders, and partners: invest in Nigeria’s heritage, creativity, and natural beauty. Partner with us to build world-class cultural hubs, heritage sites, resorts, creative cities, entertainment infrastructure, and more.”
She added that collaboration is essential to nurturing talent, promoting Nigerian heritage globally, and creating opportunities for millions of citizens.
Musawa also disclosed that the Ministry is signing Memoranda of Understanding with state governments and private organisations in line with the Presidential directive to expand Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) across the sector.
“I urge you to engage with the Ministry to see what we are doing and how you can add value. Together, we can transform Nigeria into a global destination where culture meets commerce, tradition meets innovation, and our diversity becomes a source of pride, unity and prosperity,” she said.
