Lagos unveils plan to expand tourism beyond ‘Detty December’
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to developing an all-year-round tourism economy beyond the end-of-year “Detty December” festivities.
Speaking at the First National Tourism Summit held at Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts in the Ibeshe/Ikaare Beach Area of Lagos, the Commissioner emphasized that Lagos is evolving into a global destination with activities that span the entire calendar. The summit was organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, in partnership with Koko Beach Hotels and supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism.
“Tourism is no longer a seasonal affair in Lagos. We are building a city-state that welcomes visitors all year round,” she said, citing events like the Fanti Carnival, Boat Regatta, The Headies, AMVCA, and the Greater Lagos Countdown.
She also highlighted upcoming events such as the E1 Speedboat Racing in October and a lineup of arts, fashion, film, and tech festivals starting in September. These initiatives are part of efforts to position Lagos as a “City of Festivals.”
Acknowledging past administrations, Benson-Awoyinka praised the work done under former Governor Babatunde Fashola in developing heritage tourism, particularly the Badagry slave routes. She pledged ongoing support for tourism through improved infrastructure, security, and traffic management.
Former Minister Babatunde Fashola, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the need for infrastructure to drive tourism growth. He urged further investment to unlock Lagos’s full tourism potential and praised youth involvement in preserving cultural heritage.
Other dignitaries at the summit included representatives of the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Minister of Interior, who spoke on tourism’s role in economic development and improved immigration policies, such as the rollout of an e-visa system.
The Chairman and CEO of Koko Beach Hotels, Mr. Richard Shittu, was also lauded for supporting the summit and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s eco-tourism and hospitality industries.
