LASG declares readiness for year-end tourism activities
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The Lagos State Government’s key tourism agencies have announced full readiness for a smooth, safe, and vibrant festive season, following a high-level multi-agency stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
In a statement by the ministry, it was noted that the meeting, themed “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos”, brought together industry players to align strategies for the year-end activities.
The engagement, convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, was attended by critical stakeholders to deliberate on collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience during the Yuletide season and ensuring seamless coordination across the State.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said Lagos remains Nigeria’s foremost tourism destination, attracting millions of residents, visitors, and diaspora returnees annually.
She said, “The upcoming festive period presents significant economic opportunities that can only be maximised through effective coordination among government agencies, private operators, and industry players.
“The State Government is fully committed to ensuring that all activities across the tourism, entertainment, and hospitality ecosystem are safe, well-regulated, and enjoyable for tourists, entertainers, fun seekers, and residents at large.
“Strengthened inter-agency collaboration and improved service delivery will position Lagos to deliver its most organised and exciting festive season yet, further reinforcing its status as West Africa’s premier cultural and entertainment capital. Stakeholders should strictly adhere to regulatory guidelines and adopt global best practices that align with Lagos’ aspiration to remain a leading destination and reiterate the Ministry’s readiness to continue working closely with partners to deliver a seamless, world-class festive experience throughout December and beyond.”
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Yacoob Alebiosu, assured stakeholders that the state is intensifying efforts to maintain safe, navigable, and well-managed waterfront corridors throughout the festive period.
He said, “The ministry is working closely with LASWA and other maritime agencies to ensure proper jetty management, enhance surveillance on waterfronts, and prevent overcrowding and unsafe boarding practices.
“The ministry is committed to providing a clean, secure, and functional waterfront environment that supports both tourism and transportation activities.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi, reiterated the ministry’s readiness to ensure the smooth movement of people and goods across the state during the festive period.
“The government has activated a comprehensive traffic management plan that integrates road, water, and intermodal transportation systems.”
Osiyemi announced extended service hours for key public transport services and improved coordination with security agencies to ensure efficiency and safety across major entertainment and event corridors.
Speaking further, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated that more than 2,000 officers will be strategically deployed across major routes, including Lekki-Epe, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ikeja, and Ikorodu, to ensure seamless traffic flow throughout December.
He assured residents and visitors of the agency’s round-the-clock commitment to traffic decongestion and rapid response to gridlock situations.
On water transportation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, and the Managing Director of Lagferry, Abdoulbaq Balogun, assured residents of heightened safety protocols on waterways.
They emphasised increased patrols, compulsory life jacket usage, and extended ferry operations and highlighted readiness to provide safe, reliable, and convenient water transportation services for tourists and commuters during the season.
Speaking on safety, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, represented by Olubunmi Jegede, outlined mandatory safety compliance measures for event organisers.
He added, “These include the deployment of trained safety marshals, availability of ambulances, firefighting equipment, crowd-control systems, and clearly marked emergency exits. Compliance checks, pre-event safety audits, and continuous monitoring will be intensified throughout December.”
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, stressed the importance of environmental compliance despite the numerous concerts and nightlife events expected across the city.
He emphasised that the agency will enforce noise regulations to ensure that residents’ rights to peaceful ambience are preserved while still accommodating Lagos’ vibrant entertainment culture.
