Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that Rivers State can build its own version of Dubai after the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government to accelerate tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy.

The agreement, signed in Port Harcourt, aims to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and Rivers State to develop tourism infrastructure, create jobs and diversify the economy beyond oil.

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

Speaking at the ceremony, Fubara said the partnership aligns with his administration’s vision of expanding the state’s economy through strategic investments in tourism and hospitality.

He highlighted the ongoing development of a new tourist beach through a public-private partnership, with the first phase expected to open before the end of the year. The governor also pointed to the construction of the Oyorokoto Road in Andoni Local Government Area, describing it as a key project that will unlock access to one of Nigeria’s finest beaches and boost ecotourism.

Fubara noted that the area is home to rich biodiversity, including wildlife recently captured in images shared online, and stressed that economic development should extend beyond roads and hospitals to include tourism, entertainment and hospitality.

“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,” the governor said.

He pledged that the state would move swiftly from signing the agreement to implementing tangible projects within four months and promised to invite the Federal Government to unveil completed initiatives.

Musawa said President Bola Tinubu established the ministry to drive economic diversification through arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, adding that collaboration with state governments is essential to achieving the objective.

She described Rivers State as one of the country’s strongest prospects for tourism development due to its infrastructure, international flight connections and rich cultural heritage.

According to the minister, the Renewed Hope Cultural Project will expand investment in tourism and the creative sector while helping position Rivers as a major destination for domestic and international visitors.

The collaboration, she added, supports Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading cultural and creative hub.