The Federal Government has launched a digital platform to attract investment into Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries as part of efforts to diversify the economy, create jobs and unlock the sectors’ economic potential.
The platform, known as Destination 2030 (D30), was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
The initiative is designed to provide reliable data and economic intelligence to investors, government agencies, entrepreneurs and businesses seeking opportunities across the country’s tourism and creative sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Musawa said the absence of comprehensive and accessible data had limited the ability of stakeholders to assess investment opportunities and determine the economic value of Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets.
She said the platform would consolidate sector-specific statistics, research and information on tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage, creative professionals and government interventions to support investment decisions.
According to the minister, the government is targeting a $100bn contribution to gross domestic product and more than three million jobs from the creative economy by 2030.
She said achieving the targets would require sustained investment, improved infrastructure, stronger institutions and a business-friendly environment.
Musawa explained that D30 would help investors identify suitable locations for film production facilities, assist state governments in developing tourism destinations and enable entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for business expansion.
She added that the platform would also strengthen the connection between tourism and the creative economy, noting that Nigerian music, films, festivals and cultural heritage could attract international visitors and stimulate demand for hotels, hospitality services and locally produced goods.
The minister urged ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, industry associations, private businesses and research institutions to contribute to the initiative.
She said measures would be developed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of submitted information while making verified data available to stakeholders.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abdulkarim Ozi, said the platform would support evidence-based policymaking, improve investment planning and provide businesses with information to assess commercial opportunities.
He noted that achieving the government’s economic and employment targets would require collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Also speaking, the Executive Director and Vice President of Government and External Affairs at Cavista Holdings, Olumide Olayomi, said the company provided private funding and technical expertise through its subsidiary, Cavista Technologies, in partnership with the ministry.
Olayomi said the platform would bring together information on tourism attractions, infrastructure, creative industries and professionals to guide investment and business decisions.
He cited the company’s involvement in the hospitality industry through Glocient Hospitality, which owns and operates Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre in Ekiti State.
However, the platform’s impact will depend on the accuracy and regular updating of its data, stakeholder participation and the extent to which investors use the information to establish businesses and create jobs.
