Fubara pledges to transform Rivers into a premier tourism destination as both governments sign MoU on arts, culture and hospitality.
The Federal Government and the Rivers State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy as part of efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and create jobs.
The agreement was signed in Port Harcourt by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on behalf of the Federal Government, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tomonialadeokuma Ishmael, for the state government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the partnership aligns with his administration’s vision of expanding Rivers State’s economy through strategic investments in tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
He disclosed that the state is already developing a new tourist beach through a public-private partnership, with the first phase expected to be completed and opened to the public by December.
Fubara noted that the ongoing construction of the Oyorokoto Road in Andoni Local Government Area would unlock the area’s vast tourism potential by providing access to one of Nigeria’s finest beaches and its rich biodiversity.
According to the governor, recent images showing elephants and other wildlife within the corridor have highlighted the area’s immense ecotourism prospects.
He stressed that economic development should go beyond roads and physical infrastructure to include investments in tourism and hospitality capable of generating sustainable revenue and employment opportunities.
“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,” Fubara said.
The governor assured the Federal Government that Rivers State would move beyond signing the agreement by delivering visible projects within the next four months, adding that the state remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
Earlier, Musawa said the ministry was established to drive economic diversification through arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, with a focus on expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs for Nigerians.
She explained that the Federal Government is seeking strategic partnerships with states to maximise their tourism and cultural assets rather than working in isolation.
Describing Rivers State as one of Nigeria’s “low-hanging fruits” for tourism development, the minister cited its cultural heritage, accessibility and existing infrastructure as key advantages for attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Musawa said the Renewed Hope Cultural Project would serve as a framework for expanding investments across the arts, culture, tourism and creative sectors while leveraging the state’s existing achievements.
She expressed optimism that the collaboration would transform Rivers State into a major cultural and tourism hub and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading creative economy destination.