In a major push to elevate Lagos State as a leading destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality in West Africa, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has rolled out a series of regulatory, infrastructural, and festive initiatives aimed at standardizing service delivery, boosting safety, and enriching visitor experiences.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka stated this at 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing to held commemorate the second year in the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, her Ministry has commenced a formal registration and regulatory framework for beach operators across the state.
The initiative, which is being implemented through ongoing stakeholder engagements, she said is focused on enhancing safety standards, environmental sustainability, and customer service quality across Lagos’ coastline.
According to the commissioner, strategic coastal tourism assets including Topo Island in Badagry, Ilashe Beach Resort, Eko Tourist Beach Resort and Akodo Beach have been reclaimed and repositioned for private sector investment and sustainable tourism development.
She said the goal is to transform Lagos into a world-class beach tourism destination with safe, clean, and professionally managed waterfronts.
As part of broader reforms, the Ministry has also launched a digital Hotel Registration Platform to bring all hospitality businesses, ranging from hotels and Airbnbs to restaurants, lounges, and beach resorts, under a unified registration scheme.
This measure is expected to improve regulation, ensure service quality, and provide data for tourism planning.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka announced that business owners can now register their establishments online via www.lasgtourism.com, receiving a temporary 30-day certificate pending verification, while a full one-year license is issued afterward.
She noted that all establishments are mandated to display their registration certificates prominently, with sanctions awaiting non-compliant operators.
The Commissioner noted that during the last festive season, Lagos came alive with the return of the Light Up Lagos campaign with several public parks and spaces including Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Ndubuisi Kanu Park and the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History transformed into Christmas Villages, featuring lights, music, live performances and attractions for families and children.
She said the initiative not only rekindled the culture of outdoor recreation but also supported small businesses and boosted local tourism, even as the seasonal installations helped position Lagos as a family-friendly, all-year destination for leisure and celebration.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinya highlighted that the Ministry capped off 2024 with the spectacular Greater Lagos Fiesta, a multi-location cultural and entertainment celebration across the five divisions of the state.
The event featured performances from top Nigerian artists including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Olamide, culminating in a massive New Year’s countdown at Tafawa Balewa Square, led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
With concerts, fireworks, and massive attendance from both residents and international visitors, the Fiesta significantly boosted local economies, providing business opportunities for vendors, artisans, and SMEs.
These coordinated efforts, according to the Commissioner, align with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision to make tourism a pillar of Lagos’ economic diversification.
With regulation, innovation, and cultural programming working hand-in-hand, she said Lagos is charting a bold new course as a destination of choice for business and leisure travelers alike.