The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, will embark on a groundbreaking partnership to build infrastructure for creatives.

This historic collaboration was forged during a meeting between Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

Minister Musawa emphasised that the two sectors that capture the attention of Nigerian youth are sports and creativity, particularly through music, film, and entertainment—noting that sports and entertainment have become an integral part of the mindset of young Nigerians.

However, she identified the lack of infrastructure as a major challenge hindering the growth of these sectors.

To address this challenge, the Ministry and the National Sports Commission will work together to create an ecosystem that merges sports with art, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.

This collaboration will facilitate the development of creative hubs, museums, concert arenas, and game hubs, providing a platform for creatives to thrive.

Minister Musawa highlighted the importance of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise this partnership and unlock the potential of Nigerian youth. She added

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, noted that sports, culture, and creativity are intertwined and work together to break religious and tribal barriers.

Emphasising sports and music being the passions of over 200 million Nigerians and that collaborating to galvanise prospects and work together is the best way forward he said,

“We have to collaborate to achieve these. We are ready to give the facilities, enablers and available land to develop all those great ideas that you have mentioned here,” the Chairman said.

Shehu Dikko also highlighted the significant contribution of both sectors to the growth of the economy, stating that only creativity and sports can give Nigeria a pathway to greatness.

He expressed enthusiasm for the proposed sports city vision and pledged to work together with the Ministry to develop the sports market.

This collaboration is expected to drive growth in Nigeria’s creative industry and sports sector, fulfilling key national objectives.

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