By Chuka Uroko
Copyright businessday
Plateau State government is breathing new life into the state’s Art & Culture Centre project which, among other things, holds promise for over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, 400,000 annual visitors, and over 200 small and medium-sized businesses.
For over three decades, precisely for 36 years ago, the built carcass of Centre, which was envisioned as a hub for tourism, creativity, and cultural heritage, had stood as a silent reminder of unrealised potential—unfinished, underutilised, and forgotten.
Today, the state and its citizens are excited that the tide is turning as the state government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has renewed its commitment to breathe life into the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
BusinessDay gathered that the government is working with Dezyncycle Limited as project development partner. This rekindled interest marks a significant milestone not only for the state’s tourism and creative industries, but also for the grassroots communities who stand to benefit most.
From abandonment to renaissance
An official of Dezyncycle, an architecture, interior design, and project management firm working on the project, told BusinessDay in Lagos that the project’s history is long and chequered, recalling that it was conceived as far back as 1988 and revisited by successive administrations. “The Art & Culture Centre was envisioned as a theatre, museum, and cultural hub. Yet for 36 years, the vision lay dormant—until now,” the official said,
“Governor Mutfwang’s administration is determined to see the long-awaited project completed, operational, and transformative. By merging government support with private sector expertise, the Centre is set to become a beacon of economic resilience and cultural pride,” the official added.
What the project offers Plateau and its people
It is expected that, when completed, the Centre will offer a 2,000-seater indoor theatre, a museum and experience centre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into Plateau’s rocky landscape, an art and creative institute, a modern shopping complex, and community-friendly outdoor spaces.
The project is more than bricks and mortar; it is a socio-economic catalyst with tangible benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, business opportunities, and youth empowerment.
It is estimated that over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected during and after completion, and with 400,000 annual visitors, Plateau is set to reposition itself as Nigeria’s culture tourism capital
Furthermore, over 200 small and medium-sized businesses will find space and visibility within the complex, while young people will gain access to skill acquisition programmes, mentorship, and cultural enterprise development.
There will also be a grassroots impact coming from artisans and performers to food vendors and transport operators, which will have a ripple effect of economic activity across local communities.
Open to investors and operators
A key part of the Centre’s revival is the active invitation to investors and operating partners. The project is designed as a collaborative model, where the private sector brings innovation, efficiency, and capital, while the government provides policy support and enabling infrastructure.
Possible areas of collaboration with the government include hospitality and retail which will involve operation of the shopping mall, restaurants, and hospitality services.
Others are cultural programming & event management where partnerships are needed to host concerts, theatre productions, exhibitions, and festivals all year round.
Museum & Heritage Management also needs collaborations with curators, cultural organisations, and global institutions to drive international-standard exhibitions.
Creative education in terms of joint ventures with art schools, NGOs, and private sector trainers to run the Art & Creative Institute, just as technology and digital experiences require partnerships in ticketing, virtual tours, digital archives, and smart infrastructure.
There is also room for sponsorship and branding rights where corporate partners can associate with facilities such as the amphitheatre, galleries, or youth programmes.
“By opening these channels, the project ensures sustainability, diversification of revenue streams, and long-term impact for Plateau State,” the Dezyncycle official said.
