Lagos reviews progress of Gberefu Heritage Project in Badagry
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the historical heritage of Badagry and strengthening tourism infrastructure following an inspection of the ongoing Gberefu Island Heritage Project in Badagry.
The inspection was led by the Director of the Monuments Management Department, Ibrahim Ladejobi, alongside officials from the Office of Works and Infrastructure. The team visited key historical sites, including the Slave Route, Attenuation Well and the Point of No Return.
According to the state government, the project is designed to preserve the history of the transatlantic slave trade while improving accessibility, visitor experience and tourism facilities on the island.
One of the major components of the project is the construction of a 1.5-kilometre access walkway with seating areas, which will serve pedestrians, tourist carts and tricycles travelling to various heritage sites.
The inspection team also assessed the reconstruction of the historic Attenuation Well and its adjoining relaxation area, where structural works have progressed significantly, with finishing works still ongoing.
At the Point of No Return, rehabilitation of the elevated viewing platform is underway to provide visitors with a more immersive experience of one of the most significant landmarks in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Other infrastructure being developed includes solar-powered streetlights, a restaurant and service building, a canopy theatre, modern restroom facilities, recreational spaces and tourist carts to enhance visitor comfort and mobility.
The team expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the project represents a major investment in heritage conservation and tourism development. It added that, upon completion, Gberefu Island is expected to emerge as one of Nigeria’s foremost heritage tourism destinations, attracting tourists, researchers and members of the African diaspora from across the world.
