Nigeria Launches Creative and Tourism infrastructure Corporation (CTICo) and Creative Leap Acceleration Programe (CLAP) to Boost Creative and Tourism Sectors

In a landmark move to transform Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, under the leadership of Honourable Minister Hannatu Musawa, has announced the approval of two groundbreaking initiatives by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The Creative & Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTICo) and the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) are set to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors, driving economic growth and positioning the country as a global cultural powerhouse.

CTICo: Building World-Class Infrastructure for Creatives and Tourists

CTICo, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, aims to address critical infrastructure gaps that have long hindered the growth of Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors. According to Minister Musawa, CTICo is not just about constructing buildings but about creating opportunities, fostering business growth, and establishing Nigeria as a global leader in creativity and tourism.

The initiative will focus on developing world-class infrastructure for key sectors such as film, music, fashion, arts, and tourism. By bringing together the government, private investors, and international partners, CTICo seeks to boost local industries, attract foreign investments, and increase Nigeria’s cultural exports. This will create a self-sustaining ecosystem that fuels long-term economic prosperity.

Minister Musawa highlighted several challenges that necessitated the creation of CTICo, including a lack of essential infrastructure, limited investment due to poor facilities, and the untapped potential for global cultural influence. She also emphasized the significant economic opportunity to generate $100 billion, which remains unrealized due to these challenges.

CTICo will be structured as a limited liability company with independent management. The Nigerian government will hold a minority stake of 25-49 percent, ensuring private sector efficiency while safeguarding national interests. The initiative will follow governance models inspired by successful PPPs like the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

CLAP: Empowering Creatives for Global Success

The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) is a national initiative designed to position Nigeria as a global leader in the creative economy. CLAP will provide structured training, mentorship, and funding to help creatives scale their careers and businesses. By establishing 600 creative hubs across the country, the program will create an ecosystem where innovation thrives.

Minister Musawa stated that CLAP will operate through a structured system to ensure sustainability and efficiency. A strong governance framework will guide its development, while a public-private partnership model will drive resource management. Strategic collaborations will support key areas such as legal frameworks, funding, and digital infrastructure.

CLAP is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s goal of generating $100 billion from the creative industry. The program will create two million jobs by 2030 and strengthen Nigeria’s position in film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital art.

Key Projects and Partnerships

CTICo and CLAP will drive several transformative projects, including:

• Reviving Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve: Enhancing Nigeria’s tourism potential by upgrading these iconic destinations.
• Developing the Abuja Creative City: Creating a hub for creative industries in the nation’s capital.
• Expanding Nollywood: Adding 5,000 new cinema screens to support the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
• Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos: Establishing a center for artistic excellence and innovation.
• Centre for African Arts: Promoting African arts and culture on a global stage.
• Digital Distribution Network: Enhancing the reach and impact of Nigerian creative content.
• National Arena Expansion: Increasing the capacity of the National Arena to 100,000 to host major events.

CTICo’s success will be supported by key partnerships with the Nigerian government, international finance and development institutions, global organizations, and major foundations. These collaborations will provide the funding, expertise, and innovation needed to achieve CTICo’s goals.

A Vision for Economic Transformation

Minister Musawa emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader vision to transform Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors into engines of economic growth. By addressing infrastructure deficits, creating jobs, and fostering innovation, CTICo and CLAP will unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.

“These initiatives are not just about building infrastructure or training creatives; they are about creating a future where Nigeria is recognized globally for its creativity, culture, and tourism. We are laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and cultural influence,” said Minister Musawa in an official statement.

With the launch of CTICo and CLAP, Nigeria is poised to take its place as a global leader in the creative and tourism industries, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Growth

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure the success of CTICo and CLAP. Minister Musawa emphasized that the initiatives are designed to be sustainable, inclusive, and impactful, with a focus on creating long-term value for Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors.

1. Governance and Transparency
CTICo and CLAP will operate under robust governance frameworks to ensure accountability and efficiency. Inspired by successful models like NIBSS and NLNG, these initiatives will prioritize transparency in operations and decision-making. An independent management team will oversee day-to-day activities, while a board comprising government representatives, private sector leaders, and international experts will provide strategic direction.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
The PPP model is central to the success of both initiatives. By leveraging private sector expertise and resources, CTICo and CLAP aim to deliver world-class infrastructure and programs without overburdening government finances. Private investors will play a key role in funding projects, while international partners will contribute technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives.

3. Job Creation and Economic Impact
One of the primary goals of CTICo and CLAP is to create millions of jobs by 2030. The initiatives will focus on empowering young Nigerians, particularly in underserved communities, by providing training, mentorship, and access to funding. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, these programs will unlock new opportunities in film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital art.

4. Global Cultural Influence
Nigeria’s creative industries have already gained international recognition, but there is immense potential to further elevate the country’s cultural influence. CTICo and CLAP will support Nigerian creatives in showcasing their work on global platforms, attracting international audiences, and increasing cultural exports. This will not only boost Nigeria’s soft power but also generate significant revenue for the economy.

Key Milestones and Timelines

The Federal Ministry has set ambitious timelines to ensure the timely delivery of CTICo and CLAP projects. Key milestones include:

• 2025: Launch of the Abuja Creative City and the first phase of the Nollywood cinema expansion.
• 2026: Completion of the Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos and the Centre for African Arts.
• 2027: Full operationalization of 600 creative hubs across Nigeria under CLAP.
• 2028: Revitalization of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve, positioning them as premier tourist destinations.
• 2030: Achievement of the $100 billion creative industry goal and creation of two million jobs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

The success of CTICo and CLAP hinges on the active participation of stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The Federal Ministry has already secured partnerships with leading international organizations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and UNESCO, to provide funding and technical support. Additionally, collaborations with global creative industry leaders will ensure that Nigerian creatives have access to cutting-edge tools, technologies, and networks.

Minister Musawa has also called on state governments, local communities, and industry stakeholders to support the initiatives. “This is a national project that requires the collective effort of all Nigerians. Together, we can build a creative and tourism sector that we can all be proud of,” she said.

A New Era for Nigeria’s Creative and Tourism Sectors

The launch of CTICo and CLAP marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries. By addressing long-standing challenges and unlocking new opportunities, these initiatives have the potential to transform the sectors into major drivers of economic growth and development.

As Nigeria prepares to take its place on the global stage as a creative and cultural powerhouse, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives reach every corner of the country. With a clear vision, strong partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, CTICo and CLAP are set to redefine Nigeria’s creative and tourism landscape for generations to come.

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