The Federal Government and the Rivers State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy.

The MoU, initiated by the Federal Government, is aimed at strengthening collaboration with sub-national governments to promote the development of Nigeria’s tourism, arts, culture and creative industries.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tomonialadeokuma Ishmael, signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the agreement aligns with his administration’s vision of expanding the state’s economy beyond traditional infrastructure development through strategic investments in tourism and hospitality.

The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tomonialadeokuma Ishmael (right), signed on behalf of Rivers State.

He said that the state is positioning itself as a premier tourism destination by harnessing the vast natural attractions in Andoni and other parts of the state.

Fubara said Rivers State has already begun laying the foundation for a thriving tourism industry, citing the ongoing development of a new tourist beach through a public-private partnership, with the first phase expected to be completed and opened to the public by December.

According to him, the Federal Government’s tourism initiative complements projects already embarked upon by the state, particularly the construction of the Oyorokoto road in Andoni LGA, which he described as critical to unlocking the area’s enormous tourism potential.

Governor Fubara noted that the road would provide easier access to one of Nigeria’s finest beaches while exposing visitors to the rich biodiversity of the area.

He revealed that recent images circulating online have showcased elephants and other wildlife found within the corridor opened up by the new road, underscoring the area’s immense ecotourism prospects.

The governor stressed that economic development should not be limited to roads, hospitals and other physical infrastructure but must also focus on creating opportunities in tourism, entertainment and hospitality.

He said many of the world’s most successful economies derive substantial revenue from their tourism and hospitality industries, pointing to destinations such as Dubai, Spain and Qatar as examples of how investments in leisure and recreation stimulate economic growth.

“If we cannot go to Dubai, let us build our own Dubai in Rivers State. If we cannot go to Spain or Qatar, let us create our own tourism destination here,” he said.

Governor Fubara assured the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy that the state would move beyond signing the agreement by ensuring visible implementation within the next four months.

He pledged that the Federal Government would be invited back to unveil projects that would demonstrate Rivers State’s commitment to the partnership.

The governor also commended the Federal Government for identifying Rivers as one of the key states for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, assuring the minister of the state’s unwavering support.

He said the initiative also aligns with the state’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda by creating sustainable investments that would benefit future generations.

In her address, Musawa explained that President Bola Tinubu created the ministry to drive economic diversification through arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, with emphasis on expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs.

She noted that the Federal Government does not intend to work in isolation but seeks partnerships with states to support existing initiatives and maximise their tourism and cultural assets.

According to her, Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the Federal Government’s tourism development plan because of its existing infrastructure, accessibility and rich cultural heritage.

Musawa described the state as one of the country’s “low-hanging fruits” for tourism development, noting that the availability of international flight connections and tourism infrastructure places it in a strong position to attract both domestic and international visitors.

The minister added that the Renewed Hope Cultural Project would serve as a framework for expanding investments across the arts, culture, tourism and creative sectors while leveraging Rivers State’s existing achievements.

She also praised the state’s rich cultural diversity, recalling the colourful traditional dance performance that welcomed her delegation on arrival, and expressed optimism that the collaboration would transform Rivers into a major cultural, tourism and creative hub.

The minister said the Federal Government would work closely with the Rivers State Government to develop initiatives capable of projecting the state as a leading tourism destination while advancing Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s cultural and creative hub. (Channels)

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