The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Thursday, held a strategic engagement with key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors throughout the festive season.
Speaking during the engagement session held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasised the importance of collaboration among hoteliers, event planners, entertainment operators, and security agencies.
She explained that the initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to promoting a safe, vibrant, and tourism-friendly environment, especially as Lagos prepares for increased economic and social activities in December.
She noted that Lagos remains uniquely positioned as Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment capital, and its growing tourism infrastructure offers immense opportunities that can only be fully maximised through sustained partnerships.
According to her, the Summit’s theme: “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos,”
aligns with the government’s vision to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable tourism ecosystem capable of delivering continuous economic value.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka further highlighted that under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the State continues to invest in policies and infrastructure that support creativity, enterprise, and investor confidence, reinforcing Lagos’ status as the heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa’s foremost tourism hub.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. ’Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila expressed the Ministry’s appreciation to all stakeholders for their insightful contributions during the engagement session.
She noted that the engagement had provided meaningful recommendations that would enhance collaboration, strengthen service delivery, and advance the growth trajectory of Lagos’ tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and creative sectors.
Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, praising their unwavering support for a globally competitive tourism sector.
Speaking on safety preparedness, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, represented by Mrs Olubunmi Jegede, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors throughout the yuletide season.
He outlined mandatory emergency protocols for event organisers, including trained safety marshals, functional ambulances, fire-fighting equipment, and visible emergency exits, and disclosed that safety audits, tourism safety marshals, and intensified public awareness campaigns will be deployed statewide.
One major highlight of the summit was a strategic panel discussion titled “December in Lagos and Beyond: Expanding Seasonal Tourism into Year-Round Impact.” The session, moderated by Toyosi Etim-Effiong, featured leading industry figures including Keke Hammond, Dare Art Alade, Bizzle Osikoya, and Adebayo Ayoade The panel explored how Lagos’ vibrant festive tourism economy can be transformed into sustained, year-round growth for creative and hospitality industries.
