Lagos Positions for Global Competitiveness in Tourism as Stakeholders Share Ideas on the Way Forward

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning the state as a globally competitive tourism and creative destination, as key players across the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors gathered on Thursday for the Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Stakeholders’ Engagement Summit held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Delivering her address, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the summit underscores the state government’s determination to strengthen collaboration and deepen partnerships needed to elevate Lagos’ tourism profile.

According to her, the theme of the summit, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos,” reflects the collective responsibility required to drive innovation, sustainability, and destination development across the state.

Benson-Awoyinka noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s melting pot of culture, entertainment, and economic activity, enriched by its diverse population and vibrant creative energy. She said the government recognises the role of stakeholders—ranging from investors and creatives to policymakers and destination managers—in sustaining Lagos’ status as a top destination for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.

She further highlighted the key objectives of the summit, which include strengthening partnerships across the tourism and hospitality value chain, enhancing service delivery, improving destination competitiveness, and exploring new sustainable opportunities across the state.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, said that December is only a festive season, adding that Lagos has the potential for all-year-round tourism activities.

He stated that the government is working to ensure that the tourism experience in the state stands out among other states in the country and becomes even more competitive internationally.

The Commissioner explained that the model adopted by places like Spain and other coastal countries—with proper planning—is what Lagos is aiming for, to attract visitors all year round.

Dayo Bush-Alebiosu noted that the role of government is to provide solutions to challenges confronting every sector, especially those peculiar to human capital development within the industry.

For his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi said that without effective transportation management, businesses and other basic aspects of life cannot function smoothly in the state.

He pointed out that road infrastructure is essential, noting that electric vehicles from LAG Ride, E-Drive, and mini-buses deployed by the transport companies are now making the roads safer.

Osiyemi, who acknowledged the impressive performance of LASTMA officials, added that compliance is crucial and residents must adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

In an interview with newsmen at the Summit, the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Balogun, assured residents of full safety as they commute through the waterways during the ever-busy December festive season.

The LAGFERRY boss explained that since one-third of Lagos’ landmass is covered by water, 15 Local Government Areas in the state can be accessed via the waterways.

Hon. Abdoulbaq Balogun disclosed that they are fully prepared to serve residents better during the yuletide by upholding standard safety measures with their 20 ferries of varying capacities, offering memorable journeys to fun sites across the state.

He added that the idea behind the summit aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, aimed at improving the overall well-being of residents.

During the panel session, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said that the agency will ensure seamless traffic management during the forthcoming December season.

According to him, Lagos is a peculiar place, and LASTMA is committed to monitoring traffic, especially during peak periods, noting that 90% of traffic in the state takes place on the roads.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki added that LASTMA has progressed from just traffic management to broader issues management.

Also speaking at the panel session, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, vowed to shut down any event centre or club, even during the festive season, if they fail to comply with minimum standards, including the installation of soundproofing.

He noted that the agency has restored sanity to several parts of the metropolis by constantly monitoring and sanctioning individuals or establishments that constitute environmental nuisances.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, expressed concern about providing maximum safety along the Lagos coastal areas and waterways.

The Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola—represented by the Assistant Director of Events and Hospitality Safety, Olubunmi Jegede—disclosed that the Commission is responsible for ensuring safety in the hospitality sector.

He noted that the Commission has set new daily targets and has already captured 90% of the hospitality industry, with more establishments coming on board.

Mojola expressed hope that operators in the sector will comply with safety rules, including having an ambulance on standby at large gatherings, to ensure the smooth running of their businesses.

The theme of the Summit was “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos.”