Follow Us on Google
By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the state’s vast coastal assets into major drivers of economic growth and tourism.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement and infrastructure inspection at Takwa Bay Beach ahead of the World Tourism Day, the state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, renewed the government’s push to transform Lagos’ beach fronts into world-class destinations.
“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 are Maldives here. We have over 183 kilometres of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as routes along the Lagos and Badagry creeks. These are untapped treasures,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka lamented that despite the natural beauty and strategic location of many Lagos beaches, the potential has not been fully exploited due to infrastructure deficits and unclear land ownership structures, which deter investment.
“Our assessment of Takwa Bay reveals a serene and beautiful environment that is safe and family-friendly. We’ve 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 revitalise Takwa Bay and other coastal areas.”
The commissioner highlighted the importance of creating clear investment channels by resolving issues around land tenure and agency oversight.
“One major challenge we’ve identified is the lack of clarity around which agency is responsible for this area. This discourages investors. We’re starting immediately to regularise ownership and streamline agency responsibilities.”
The government also plans to leverage the services of LAGFERRY to improve access via water transport, replacing informal banana boats with safer and more efficient ferries.
Highlighting recent efforts, she pointed to the Ilashe-Ibeshe axis, where the state government recently handed over a power station to Eko Disco to energise the area.
She hinted that a similar plan was under consideration for Takwa Bay, given its proximity to Victoria Island.
Reflecting on her personal connection to the area, she noted: “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 the government’s involvement, we can restore and elevate it.”
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.
“We’re 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.
“This beach could easily have hosted the E1 Series, but the infrastructure isn’t there yet. That’s why we’re working to ensure that Lagos’ entire beachfront becomes a viable and sellable tourism market,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
