Governors Back FG’s $100 Billion Culture and Tourism GDP Target, Job Creation Plan

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has pledged full support for the Federal Government’s ambitious initiative to boost the contributions of Nigeria’s arts, culture, tourism, and creative economy to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aiming to reach $100 billion by 2030 and generate over three million jobs.

This commitment was made following the NGF’s second meeting of the year, held late Wednesday night in Abuja. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State read the communiqué, which was signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to Yahaya:

“The forum received a presentation from the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Mr. Obi Asika, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture.”

The presentation highlighted a strategic roadmap for expanding Nigeria’s creative sector, including major initiatives such as:

• A $200 million Creative Economy Development Fund
• A $1 billion Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation
• Key projects like the Lagos Arena, Abuja Creative City, and Renewed Home Cultural Villages

Yahaya noted that the governors welcomed the reforms, particularly efforts to strengthen intellectual property rights, broaden tourism offerings, and enhance Nigeria’s cultural visibility on the global stage.

“Governors commended the reforms to strengthen intellectual property, expand tourism, and elevate Nigeria’s global presence, and resolved to collaborate through the State Creative Economy Desk, co-created festivals, and the adoption of the Naija Season Platform.”

The forum also extended condolences to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State over the recent passing of his father, Pa Ahmed Ododo, who died at the age of 83.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Executive Council has already approved the creation of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The body is expected to drive investment into the sector, using culture, art, tourism, and technology to unlock Nigeria’s untapped potential and elevate the country’s creative economy to global standards.

The federal government emphasized that Nigeria’s creative industry is rich with talent and cultural depth, and the new initiative aims to position the sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth and global soft power.