The Lagos government has reaffirmed its commitment to harness the state’s vast beachfront assets for socio-economic growth and make it a viable and sellable tourism market.
This assurance comes as part of preparations ahead of the 2025 World Tourism Day, which will be marked globally on Saturday, September 27.
Speaking during a stakeholders engagement and infrastructure inspection at Takwa Bay Beach, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasised the state’s renewed commitment to transforming its coastal attractions.
Benson-Awoyinka explained that “Lagos is endowed with vast natural assets and the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working to ensure optimal exploration of these valuables for development.”
“We want to showcase what Lagos truly has to offer. Lagos is more than just nightlife, food, and fashion. There is a Cancun here. There is a Maldives here. We have over 183 kilometers of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as routes along the Lagos and Badagry creeks. These are untapped treasures,” she said.
Infrastructure deficits
Benson-Awoyinka lamented that despite the natural beauty and strategic location of many Lagos beaches, the potential has not been fully explored due to infrastructure deficits and unclear land ownership structures, which deter investment.
She said; “Our assessment of Takwa Bay reveals a serene and beautiful environment that is safe and family-friendly. We have spoken with locals and tourism practitioners and we are now looking at sustainable ways to invest in and promote this destination. This includes improvements in security, transportation, and tourism services like lifeguards and tour guides.
“As part of the government’s strategy, plans are underway to collaborate with local stakeholders, including tour operators, community leaders, and security agencies, to revitalize Takwa Bay and other coastal areas. This beach could easily have hosted the E1 Series, but the infrastructure isn’t there yet. That’s why we’re working towards its transformation.”
Clear investment
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of creating clear investment channels by resolving issues around land tenure and agency oversight.
According to her “One major challenge we have identified is the lack of clarity around which agency is responsible for this area. This discourages investors. We are starting immediately to regularize ownership and streamline agency responsibilities.”
The government also plans to leverage the services of its water transportation system to improve access via water transport, replacing informal banana boats with safer and more efficient ferries.
Highlighting recent efforts, Benson-Awoyinka pointed to the Ilashe-Ibeshe axis, where the state government recently handed over a power station to Eko-Disco to provide electricity for the area.
She said that a similar plan would be for Takwa Bay, given its proximity to Victoria Island.
Old Takwa-Bay
Reflecting on her personal connection to the area, she said; “The last time I came here was as a teenager during Easter holidays. It’s a beautiful place that has lost its old glory, but we believe that with proper investment and government involvement, we can restore and elevate it.”
“We are working to ensure the history of Badagry is told holistically and preserved as a legacy project. With an influx of international visitors expected in the coming months for tourism and sports events like the E1 Series, the Lagos State Government is racing to position its beaches as world-class destinations,” she explained
The Commissioner also reiterated the state’s broader tourism plans, including the ongoing upgrade of the historic Badagry “Point of No Return,” a major heritage site central to Nigeria’s transatlantic slave trade history.