Lagos Moves to Revamp Takwa Bay Beach, Pledges Support for Investors
The Lagos State Government has vowed to restore Takwa Bay Beach to its lost glory by creating an enabling environment that will attract private investors.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, gave the assurance while leading officials of the ministry and industry stakeholders on an on-the-spot assessment of the beach.
According to her, Lagos, by its strategic location, should naturally be a top destination for tourists, noting that many countries depend heavily on tourism revenue to drive socio-economic development. She explained that the visit was part of the state’s plan to reorganise Takwa Bay Beach ahead of this Saturday’s celebration of World Tourism Day.
Benson-Awoyinka revealed that the government plans to deploy Tourism Marshals and Coast Guards to boost security and create a safe environment for tourism to thrive.
Speaking on the popular “Detty December” festivities, she said the experience was not only for Nigerians in the diaspora but also for locals who had never seen such large bodies of water in their lives.
On her part, the President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, expressed readiness to collaborate with the government in developing Nigeria’s tourism potential. She, however, noted challenges in service delivery, particularly the slow response to tourists’ meal requests during previous Detty December events.
Mustapha stressed the need to improve facilities at Takwa Bay, including the deployment of modern commercial boats and ferries to move fun-seekers in large numbers, thereby sustaining the beach’s activities.
Vice President of NATOP (South West Zone), Mr. James Anago-Osho, was equally optimistic, citing Ogun State’s renovation of Olumo Rock as an example of how investment and accessibility can boost tourist patronage.
Similarly, Mr. Tolulope Bradley, who oversees Takwa Bay Beach operations, explained that the facility is under the Nigerian Ports Authority with the Nigerian Navy as custodian. He highlighted accessibility challenges since the beach can only be reached by water, making transportation costly and inconvenient for many visitors.
Bradley, however, noted that Takwa Bay’s unique beachfront, with its line of tents and cabanas, gives it an edge over others. He called for additional lifeguards, electricity supply, and solar power solutions to enhance the tourist experience.
