In preparation for the upcoming World Tourism Day celebration, the Lagos State Government has affirmed its dedication to transforming its beaches into key hubs for tourism and investment.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, led a pre-event inspection of Tarkwa Bay Beach, the official venue for this year’s celebration on Saturday, September 27
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.Benson-Awoyinka highlighted Lagos’s vast 183-kilometre coastline, which she described as a largely untapped resource with the potential to rival international tourist spots.
“With the right infrastructure and sustainable investments, our beaches can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international resorts like Cancun and the Maldives,” she said.
The commissioner outlined the government’s plans to upgrade infrastructure, enhance security, and expand ferry services to improve access to Tarkwa Bay.
She also announced a new initiative to empower local youths through capacity-building programs, training them to become lifeguards, tour guides, and coastal guards.
This is aimed at improving safety while simultaneously creating jobs for residents.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of involving the local community in the beach’s management, from environmental care to hospitality and cultural promotion.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Bolaji Mustapha, praised the government’s proactive approach, calling the focus on Tarkwa Bay a strategic step toward making it a preferred destination.
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Similarly, Tarkwa Bay’s Beach Master, Tolulope Bradley, expressed the community’s appreciation for the intervention and assured the government of the residents’ full cooperation.
The inspection visit also included discussions on improving the beach’s environmental sanitation, electricity supply, food services, and providing specialised training for security personnel to better handle tourists.
