Nigeria’s government is planning to build a modern entertainment arena where world-famous stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and Beyoncé can perform. The announcement was made by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and it has started many conversations online.
On May 16, 2025, the minister gave a public speech where she shared the government’s goal to make Nigeria a major center for music and culture. The news spread quickly after Naija_PR posted about it on X.
The minister said the arena would help improve the country’s creative industry. She believes the project can bring big changes to Nigeria’s entertainment and culture space.
According to a 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s creative and communication industry already adds 1.4% to the country’s GDP. In fact, the film and music sectors brought in about ₦154 billion, which was around $197.6 million at that time.
The project will start in Lagos and Abuja, two of Nigeria’s biggest cities. Later, the government hopes to build similar arenas in all six regions of the country. This will give the creative industry the support it needs to grow.
The new arena will give Nigerian and international artists a great place to perform. It could also attract more tourists to the country, boosting the economy even more.
Not everyone was happy with the announcement. Many fans noticed that the minister mentioned Davido and Burna Boy but didn’t say anything about Wizkid—another major Nigerian artist. This led to a lot of debate among fans on social.
Apart from the fan debates, some Nigerians feel the government should focus on more serious issues. People online said they are worried about safety and the high cost of living. They think the money should be used to fix those problems first.
There are still many safety problems in Nigeria. Data from Parallel Parliament showed that more than 1,000 people died in terrorist attacks in 2021 alone. This is a big concern for citizens.
Even with the concerns, the minister believes Nigeria’s creative economy can help the country grow. In February 2025, she said it could add up to $100 billion to the economy in the future
Along with the arena, the government is planning a Creative City and a world-class museum in Abuja. These projects are meant to improve Nigeria’s cultural infrastructure and promote its heritage.
People have mixed feelings about the new arena. Some are excited about what it could bring, while others think the government should solve bigger problems first. For now, the project brings both hope and concern.
