The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, says Nigeria is ready to lead Africa in an endeavour that will make the continent a cultural superpower, whose stories move the world.
Musawa stated this during her special address at the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.
The Meeting with the theme, “Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries” was organised by the Commission and championed by Musawa.
She noted that the 20th century was powered by hydrocarbons, adding that the 21st future will be powered by human imagination.
“Therefore, the 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground, but from the soul. This gathering is our opportunity to build that future together.
“And here in Nigeria, we are answering that call with a bold shift from resource dependency to people-powered prosperity through tourism, culture, and the creative industries.
“Let us envision integrated visa regimes, cross-border tourism corridors, and shared storytelling platforms.
Let us invest in African talent with the same intensity that the world once invested in its oil and gas.
“This is because, what we have now is more enduring: it is our culture, our people, and our power to inspire.
Let this be the turning point.
“Let us reimagine Africa not as a collection of emerging markets, but as a cultural superpower; a continent whose stories move the world, and whose destinations redefine global tourism.
“Nigeria stands ready to lead, to collaborate, and to invest. Let us rise—together,” Musawa said.
The Minister further explained that under the guidance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is pursuing a private-sector-led model.
She said a 4000-seat MEFA Arena in Abuja’s Arts & Culture Village was recently unveiled, adding that it will be a new stage for concerts, fashion, arts and culture shows, and other genre of entertainment.
Musawa further stated that her Ministry is partnering with Persianas and global giants Oak View Group and Live Nation to develop the Lagos Arena, a venue that would anchor West Africa’s live entertainment circuit.
“Along our coastline, a landmark partnership with Koko Beach is transforming the stretch of pristine beaches from Takwa Bay to Badagry into a tourism corridor —melding blue‑economy sustainability with world‑class leisure.
“These are not just buildings. They are beacons of a new vision. They are part of a broader strategy that includes the Creative Economy Development Fund and the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme.
“This will nurture the next generation of filmmakers, fashion designers and digital innovators who will provide the content that will drive Tourism.
“To coordinate infrastructure, we’ve also established the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation which is converting public heritage assets into commercial and sustainable tourism destinations through innovative Public Private Partnership models,” she said.
On Brand Nigeria, Musawa said there would be festivals that move markets and these incude Destination 2030, Tourism Calendar, Naija Season, Capital Vibes in FCT, Detty December in Lagos, Home Coming East, a Spotlight on the South Eastern Region.
“These brands convert holidays into jobs, flights, hotel nights and small‑business revenues, while amplifying Nigerian stories to the world”.
She reiterated that indeed, Nigeria is ready to lead Africa in an endeavour that would make the continent a cultural superpower whose stories move the world.
