Nigeria is positioning culture as a major driver of tourism and economic growth with the launch of the maiden Afikpo International Carnival, an event the Federal Government hopes will become one of Africa’s leading end-of-year festivals.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the carnival in Abuja, the Federal Government announced plans to include the festival in the country’s popular “Dirty December” tourism calendar. The initiative is aimed at attracting visitors from across Africa and beyond while creating jobs, boosting local businesses and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by her Special Assistant on Content Development, Doyin Diya Odusanya, said the carnival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using culture as a tool for economic transformation.
According to the ministry, the Afikpo International Carnival has the potential to grow into a globally recognized cultural festival, similar to other successful tourism events that draw thousands of international visitors every year. Officials said efforts are already underway to ensure the event becomes part of Nigeria’s major December tourism attractions alongside established festivals.
Odusanya stressed that cultural festivals are more than entertainment, describing them as engines of economic development that encourage peace, strengthen national unity and create employment opportunities. He noted that Nigeria’s diverse traditions, music, cuisine and artistic heritage remain powerful attractions for international tourists.
The ministry also pledged to work closely with the organizers through partnerships and strategic collaborations to ensure the carnival achieves international standards and attracts visitors from around the world.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, represented by Blessing Onwughalu, said the carnival would help preserve Nigeria’s cultural identity while promoting entrepreneurship and community development. She added that cultural festivals play a vital role in sustainable development, economic diversification and international cultural exchange.
The 2026 Afikpo International Carnival is scheduled to take place from December 26 to 29 in Afikpo, Ebonyi State. Activities will include traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, indigenous cuisine, artistic displays and tourism experiences designed to showcase the richness of Nigerian culture to a global audience.
