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The government of Lagos State has announced intentions to draw in multi-billion-naira investments and create more prospects for local enterprises via the tourism sector.
The authorities highlighted that plans have been developed to draw in funding and position tourism as a key contributor to Lagos' economy.
The Governor’s Special Advisor for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, conveyed this during an update provided to journalists, as reported in a release shared with The PUNCH on Thursday from his office.
He mentioned that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration established an intentional structure to reach the goal.
As he outlined the initiatives undertaken by the administration via his office, Aregbe stated that Lagos' cultural sector has the potential to generate employment opportunities, draw investment, and support local business owners.
As he stated, the approach was starting to emerge via various tourism, art, and commercial projects that merge government policies with investments from the private sector.
He highlighted the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, which was jointly produced with Naija Brand Chick, as the biggest event for small and medium enterprises, attracting over 220 exhibitors and approximately 75,000 participants during its April 2025 Island edition, aiming for sales worth N5 billion as part of its efforts.
He stated that the event resulted in over N1bn in revenue, with a Mainland version in Ikeja subsequently broadening the initiative, aiming for an additional N5bn in total sales.
He claimed that the exhibition demonstrated a key strategic focus of the government.
"The aim is to establish a movement where entertainment drives business and Lagos' creativity stimulates economic development," Aregbe stated.
He pointed out that Lagos is relying on tourist facilities and law enforcement as key factors for economic development.
In the course of the reviewed period, an assistant to Sanwo-Olu mentioned that Lagos established Tourism Support Services, a continuous operation system incorporating organizations like LASTMA, LASEMA, LAWMA, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Safety Commission, Civil Defence, LNSC, and RRS.
As he stated, the program sought to keep Lagos prepared for visitors during busy times like Detty December, school vacations, religious occasions, and global celebrations.
He mentioned that the seasonal tourism initiative received additional support following the introduction of 101 Days in Lagos, an event schedule launched in September 2025 aimed at organizing and promoting the hot months as a well-structured tourist offering.
He also revealed that the government continues to work on expanding the creative sector via Skill Up Lagos, a initiative that has supported over 1,000 artists within the past 24 months.
The government has additionally leveraged cultural events to support regional commerce. During the Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe, the department engaged travel bloggers and tourism advocates to highlight Oja Chief, the traditional fish market serving as the festival’s focal point. Furthermore, they arranged complimentary fish deliveries to patrons, which significantly enhanced revenue for female vendors within the marketplace.
Additional cultural activities throughout the time involved visits to the royal palace on Isese Day, backing the Olojo Festival, the launch of Anikulapo, global cultural diplomatic events held in Paris and Harrisburg, and an extensive cultural trip through Lagos' galleries and museums designed to boost the art scene.
Aregbe emphasized that although initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy were in place, the government remained committed to fostering greater involvement from both the private sector and the diaspora.
Throughout the year, we collaborated with Giwa Gardens Water Park and various business companies to provide 100,000 complimentary holiday season tickets and support 1,000 underprivileged kids, an initiative aimed at making leisure activities more accessible and boosting tourist interest.
"Additionally, the Detty Fusion platform, developed in collaboration with Access Bank, was introduced as an innovative tool designed to make it easier for Nigerians both within and outside the country to find events, organize trips, and enjoy Lagos throughout the holiday period," he mentioned.
As per Aregbe, the main objective is to alter how the marketplace perceives Lagos.
Aregbe stated, "From the Culturati event held in December, which attracted over 700 attendees including figures from the culture world, to the unveiling of the Eyo Statue at the John Randle Centre, the government is intentionally shaping a tourist identity based on history, business, and global recognition."
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Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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