By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Tarkwa Bay and other beach destinations into world-class tourist attractions.
The commitment was reiterated during a special event held at Tarkwa Bay to commemorate the 2025 World Tourism Day, themed “Tourism and sustainable transformation.”
The event was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and other key players in the tourism sector.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, emphasised the governor’s unwavering support for the growth and development of the tourism sector in Lagos.
She commended stakeholders for forging a united front to actualise the administration’s tourism vision.
Also addressing participants, President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, called for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
“Nigeria has even greater prospects than many global tourist destinations. With our rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities, we can create a destination the world will want to visit again and again,” she said.
Tourism expert Alhaji Gbenga Sunmonu explained that Tarkwa Bay was strategically chosen to host this year’s celebration in order to highlight the role of community engagement in developing tourism-driven island economies.
Ahead of the event, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, led a stakeholders’ engagement and inspection tour of Tarkwa Bay, where she reaffirmed the state’s resolve to transform its beach fronts into world-class tourism destinations.
“Lagos is more than nightlife, food, and fashion. There’s a Cancun here. There’s a Maldives here. We have over 183 kilometres of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean and across the Lagos and Badagry creeks. These are untapped treasures,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
She, however, noted that despite the natural beauty and strategic locations of many Lagos beaches, full tourism development has been hindered by infrastructure deficits and unresolved land ownership issues, which continue to discourage investment.
“Our assessment of Tarkwa Bay shows it is a serene, safe, and family-friendly environment. We’ve engaged with local residents and tourism practitioners, and we’re exploring sustainable ways to invest in and promote this destination. This includes enhancing security, improving transportation access, and introducing essential tourism services such as lifeguards and certified tour guides,” she added.
According to the commissioner, the state government is working on a comprehensive strategy involving collaboration with local stakeholders including tour operators, community leaders, and security agencies to revitalise Tarkwa Bay and other coastal destinations for economic and social development.
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