The Abuja Carnival is a focal programme of the Ministry since 2005 and the last edition of the event was held in 2016. Owing to financial constraints and dwindled support by sponsors, the Carnival was put on hold.

1. In order to rejig and reprogramme the Carnival, it was recommended that a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement be instituted to its eco-system for social mobilization and integration, job creation, socio-economic empowerment, culture, creative and tourism promotion, etc.
2. To this end, an approval was given to Yankee Entertainment Limited to partner with the Ministry under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Structure to host the 2024 Abuja Carnival.
3. The Honourable Minister held a meeting with the organization to further discuss the modalities for partnership on 15th May, 2024 and came up with the following decisions and approval given:

• Change and launch the new name from Abuja Carnival to “Abuja International Carnival”;
• Proposed Carnival date: 21st – 23rd November, 2024;
• Carnival Logo;
• Pre-Carnival events; and
• Drawing of Carnival timelines.

4. The event will feature Street Shows, Musical Concert with Artists across different age groups, Boat Regatta, Durbar, Children Fiesta and Exhibition by participating States, Parastatals of the Ministry and Stakeholders and the proposed venues of the event are the Eagle Square, Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Area 3, Villa, Guards Brigade Polo and Jabi Lake.