Fubara Reveals Bold Plan To Transform Rivers Into Nigeria’s Dubai

Fubara Reveals Bold Plan To Transform Rivers Into Nigeria’s Dubai
Fubara pledged visible results from the partnership within four months.
Musawa described Rivers as strategically positioned for tourism and creative growth.

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

The agreement, initiated by the Federal Government, is aimed at partnering with state governments to develop Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the MoU 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 for the state government. The ceremony was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said the agreement aligned with his administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond traditional infrastructure development.

Fubara said his government was investing in tourism and hospitality while developing natural attractions across the state, particularly in Andoni Local Government Area.

He disclosed that work was underway on a new tourist beach being developed through a public private partnership, with the first phase expected to be completed and opened to the public by December.

The governor also highlighted the construction of the Oyorokoto road in Andoni, describing it as critical to unlocking the tourism potential of the area and improving access to its beaches and biodiversity.

“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.

Fubara pledged that the MoU would produce visible results within four months.

Musawa said the partnership was part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy through arts, culture, tourism and the creative sector.

She described Rivers as a strategic tourism destination because of its infrastructure, accessibility and cultural heritage, expressing optimism that the partnership would position the state as a major tourism and creative hub.

The minister said the Federal Government would work with Rivers State to promote the state as a leading tourism destination and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s cultural and creative hub.