…Capital city hosts 1,625 entertainment spots – FCTA
Amid ongoing economic headwinds in Nigeria, Abuja leisure industry is witnessing a boom, driven by the rising population and middle-class income in the Nigerian capital.
“The future of the leisure industry is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing disposable income, the expansion of the middle class in emerging markets, and the ongoing demand for unique and enriching experiences,” said a report entitled, ‘The Future of the Leisure Industry.’
Abuja’s population is rising, with several upwardly mobile people entering the city for business or political reasons, analysts say.
“The population is rising in the city and middle-class income is rising, fuelling demand for entertainment services,” said Ike Ibeabuchi, an emerging markets analyst.
Parks, gardens and recreational centers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are demonstrating remarkable resilience more than ever as locals increasingly seek respite and entertainment in the face of the present financial strain.
These ‘enjoyment centres,’ ranging from sprawling entertainment complexes to chic rooftop bars and bustling nightclubs, are increasingly becoming the go-to destinations for residents looking to unwind.
While many sectors of the economy have been impacted by inflation and reduced household income, the demand for enjoyment centres’ services is steadily on the rise, reflecting a growing appetite for leisure and outdoor spaces among residents.
“The demand for leisure activities is skyrocketing, even in a tough economic environment. For instance, it appears like new relaxation gardens and food centres keep opening every day,” Justice Okoro, an Abuja resident, told BusinessDay.
“It’s interesting to note that people are seeking out affordable yet high-quality experiences that allow them to escape the daily work and family stress.”
BusinessDay has observed that some of the enjoyment centres have included value-added services like private lounges, VIP sections, and interactive gaming, catering to the city’s diverse crowd.
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Official sources confirm that there are now 1,625 active parks and recreational spots across the city, offering spaces for both relaxation and community engagement.
In an interview, Chinemelu Rowland, director of the Parks and Recreation Department at Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), told BusinessDay that the demand for park spaces in prime locations, particularly those with full infrastructure like Phase 1 and Phase 2 districts, is on the rise.
According to him, “There is a high demand for park spaces, especially in fully developed service areas like Wuse and Maitama, Asokoro and Garki where park sites are highly sought-after. But the land is not limitless and not everyone qualifies.”
Rowland noted that despite inflationary pressures and tightening of household budgets, leisure spaces continue to attract a significant interest.
“There is a high demand for park sites, especially in prime locations with full infrastructure like Phase 1 and Phase 2 districts,” Rowland stated.
He revealed that in the last two years, the department has consistently been recognised for its exceptional performance in revenue generation, earning awards for being the top performer within the FCDA.
He attributed this demand to a shift in consumer preferences, with more people seeking open-air relaxation options instead of traditional hospitality spaces like hotels.
“Recreational centers have become the preferred destination. Before, it was all about hotels, but now, parks are taking over,” Rowland explained.
The surge in demand is accompanied by rising costs, with park space developers facing huge fees.
For instance, acquiring a letter of intent (LoI) for land in prime districts cost about N5 million per hectare, while areas further from the city center are priced at N3.5 million.
Despite these costs, the applications continue to surge.
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According to Rowland, the department has received numerous applications over the past year, many of which are still pending.
The rising demand for park spaces is also consistent with the Abuja Master Plan, which allocates up to 33 percent of the city’s territory for open spaces, green areas and designated parks.
Rowland pointed out that what might seem like a proliferation of parks aligns with urban planning policies designed to ensure balanced development.
“Parks are a critical component of the Land Use Master Plan. They are just as important as zoning for residential, commercial or industrial use,” he said, highlighting the key role that recreational spaces play in urban development and public well-being.
The leisure sector’s resilience is evident in its continued strong performance, even as other industries face setbacks.
“Any park operating without ministerial consent is deemed illegal. We do not permit operation or payment without the necessary documentation,” Rowland warned.
Nigeria’s entertainment sector now accounts for a significant portion of its GDP, with Nollywood and music industries generating billions in revenue.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigeria’s entertainment sector grew by 39 percent year-on-year, with a total output of N140.11 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, up from N108.55 billion in Q1 2023.
While growth slowed in the second quarter (Q2), the sector rebounded in the third quarter (Q3) with an output of N125.55 billion and continued to show growth in the fourth quarter (Q4), closing at N115.86 billion.
Abuja’s growing role in this ecosystem highlights its potential as a driver of economic growth.
BusinessDay had reported how the influx of Lagos-based creatives and politicians has transformed Abuja’s nightlife and dining scene, introducing vibrant Yoruba-style parties and traditional food outlets, which have boosted local businesses.
A manager at Pizza Hut, simply identified as Humble, said that food and entertainment remain a necessity in Abuja’s culture.
“I believe that the entertainment industry is thriving, and people, as humans, need space for relaxation.
“There are a lot of these spots today because, firstly, food is a necessity—it’s part of our culture to enjoy local dishes and even try foreign ones. Also, when it comes to entertainment, there are never enough bars and gardens. These are things that people willingly spend good money on because they benefit personally.”
