FG, National Sports Commission to Build Mega Sports and Cultural City in Abuja

FG, National Sports Commission to Build Mega Sports and Cultural City in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to develop a National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism, and Sports Innovation Hub within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium precinct in Abuja.

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Abuja, aims to harness the power of culture, creativity, and sports for national development, youth empowerment, and global recognition.

According to the plan, the hub will include a National Museum of Arts and Culture, Entertainment Arena and Performance Centre, Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Centre, Eco-Villas and Eco-Lodges, Family Recreational Park, Cultural Lounges and Marketplaces, a Mounted Games Arena, and a Sports Heritage Pavilion.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the initiative as transformative and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of economic diversification and youth empowerment.

“The creative industry is having a great moment, and Nigeria is known for its cultural assets. Partnering with the sports industry through this MoU will empower the younger generation, teach them about our culture, and provide capacity building. If replicated across the states, this will mark a new dawn, especially in Abuja and positively impact the economy, job creation and insecurity,” Musawa said.

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NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, also pledged support, stressing the project’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda on sports economy.

“We need to invest and revamp our sports facilities to host thousands of activities around the clock. This project will showcase our history, sports, and culture. We will turn the stadium into a sports city, leveraging existing structures to build value for creatives. I assure you of my team’s diligence to support this project to success,” he said.

The initiative, to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, is expected to foster collaboration, promote tourism, and create new economic opportunities through creativity, innovation, and sports.