Lagos partners FG, private sector, to boost tourism sector

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Federal Government and the private sector to enhance tourism in the state.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection tour of key tourist attractions in Lagos. Among the sites visited were the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Loving Lagos Onikan, the National Museum, and Freedom Park.

During her remarks, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka highlighted the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, which has often been untold or misrepresented.

“Lagos is a vast city with deep history and heritage,” she stated. “That’s why we’ve embarked on this tour with the MD of Sterling Bank and the DG of the National Museums, to showcase Lagos’ tourism potential. We aim to highlight our cultural heritage and tell our own stories, rather than allowing others to tell them for us.”

She added that the initiative also seeks to educate younger generations about Lagos’ cultural wealth, encouraging them to appreciate their roots rather than seeking such experiences abroad.

In support of the initiative, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, committed the bank’s resources to fund tourism-related investments in Lagos.

He emphasized the commercial value of tourism and its potential to attract foreign investors, elevate Lagos to a world-class tourist destination, and create jobs.

“Tourism is a business,” Suleiman said. “To grow tourism, arts, and culture, there must be adequate investment. Only then can we raise the standards to attract global attention. As we explore Lagos’ rich history, it’s clear there are immense opportunities for businesses and job creation, all of which will enhance the city’s profile.”

Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, expressed optimism that the partnership would bring Lagos and Nigeria more international recognition.

He pointed out that many historical treasures remain unknown to the younger generation, especially Gen Z, and that the partnership is crucial in retelling these stories.

“The essence of this partnership is to retell our stories,” Holloway said. “The National Museum is itself a monument, home to artefacts dating back to the 15th century, reflecting not just Lagos but Nigeria as a whole. By working with Lagos State, we can position the National Museum as a prime destination within a broader cultural tourism ecosystem. Onikan, with its rich cultural heritage, could easily become a major tourist hub.”

Holloway also stressed that visitors don’t differentiate between state and federal jurisdictions when experiencing cultural landmarks; they are simply seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture. This collaboration, he believes, will meet that demand.

The partnership comes ahead of World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated on Friday, September 27, under the theme “Tourism and Green Investment.”