Lagos State is positioning itself as Africa’s leading tourism and events destination through sustained investments in transport infrastructure, urban renewal, waterfront development and digital connectivity aimed at attracting private capital into the sector, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
Sanwo-Olu said the state deliberately views tourism as part of a broader economic ecosystem rather than a standalone industry, arguing that investments in mobility, security, technology and public infrastructure are critical to making destinations attractive to both investors and visitors.
The governor, represented by Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, spoke on Wednesday at the BusinessDay Tourism Conference 3.0 in Lagos, themed “Nigeria’s Tourism: From Resilience to Investment-ready Growth.”
“We have never regarded tourism as a standalone sector. Rather, we see it as an intersection of transportation, security, urban planning, technology, environmental sustainability, arts, culture, sports, entertainment and commerce,” he said.
According to him, the state’s investments in the Blue and Red Rail Lines, strategic road networks, regenerated public spaces, waterfront infrastructure and digital connectivity are creating the foundation for a stronger visitor experience and a more competitive business environment.
“Our rail infrastructure through the Blue Line and the Red Line has begun to redefine urban mobility and improve access across our city. We continue to upgrade strategic road networks, regenerate public spaces, improve waterfront infrastructure and expand digital connectivity because every one of these investments contributes to stronger visitor experiences and a more competitive business environment,” he said.
He added that tourism can only thrive where infrastructure functions effectively, security is assured and cities are clean, connected and welcoming.
Sanwo-Olu said the strategy has helped transform Lagos beyond Nigeria’s commercial capital into a leading African destination for business tourism, entertainment, fashion, innovation and international events.
He noted that the city now hosts major conferences, exhibitions, sporting competitions, music festivals, art fairs, fashion showcases and cultural events that attract thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond.
The governor also identified Lagos’ creative economy, powered by Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion and digital innovation, as one of Nigeria’s strongest tourism assets, noting that the globally recognised “Detty December” festivities continue to attract members of the Nigerian diaspora and international visitors, boosting the hospitality, transportation, retail and entertainment industries.
Sanwo-Olu said these achievements demonstrate what is possible when governments provide enabling infrastructure and policies while the private sector responds with investment and innovation.
He urged other stakeholders to embrace collaboration, saying governments must provide modern infrastructure, security, effective regulation and policy stability, while private investors focus on innovation, quality experiences and global standards.
According to him, Lagos’ long-term objective is to build a tourism ecosystem that stimulates entrepreneurship, creates jobs for young people, supports women-owned businesses, preserves cultural heritage and revitalises waterfront communities.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
