A breathtaking view of Obudu Cattle Ranch with cable cars, lush green hills, thatched-roof lodges, and a winding road leading through the serene valley.

Nigeria to restore Obudu Cattle Ranch and Yankari Game Reserve

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and a rising global cultural powerhouse, is taking bold steps to harness its creative and tourism potential for economic prosperity.

In a significant move, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTICo).

The initiative has an ambitious target of generating at least $100 billion in revenue and creating two million jobs. During the launch, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasized that the goal is to position Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and creative assets on the global stage.

A blueprint for Nigeria’s creative and tourism renaissance

At the heart of this initiative is a comprehensive plan to develop, modernize, and expand key tourism and creative hubs across Nigeria. Some of the key projects include:

Restoration of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve. Two of Nigeria’s most iconic natural attractions will undergo major redevelopment to enhance infrastructure, accommodation, and visitor experiences.
Development of the Abuja Creative City
Installation of 5,000 new cinema screens nationwide
Construction of a Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Center in Lagos
Establishment of a Centre for African Arts
Deployment of a Digital Distribution Network
Modernization of the National Gallery
Expansion of the National Arena to a 100,000-seat capacity

According to Minister Musawa, these projects are part of a broader strategy to elevate Nigeria’s cultural footprint internationally while ensuring that the creative and tourism industries become sustainable economic pillars.

The launch of CTICo marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s approach to economic development. By improving infrastructure, fostering innovation in its creative and tourism industries, Nigeria is setting the stage for long-term prosperity in both the creative and tourism sectors.

The country has already experienced success on the global stage, particularly through its entertainment sectors. This has led to more interest in other aspects of the country. With more investment in infrastructure, it could carve a niche for itself as a creative tourism hub.