The Lagos State Government has spent over ₦8.5 billion supporting more than 143 cultural festivals, creative programmes, and tourism initiatives in the past year, as it accelerates plans to position the state as Africa’s foremost destination for creativity, culture, and leisure.
The Lagos state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka revealed this recently during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to the Commissioner, the investments align with the fifth pillar of the administration’s THEMES Plus agenda, which prioritizes “Entertainment and Tourism” as a critical sector for economic diversification and youth empowerment.
Her words, “We are committed to fostering sustainable development and positioning Lagos as a vibrant and competitive hub for tourism and hospitality in Africa.”
She noted that the Ministry’s multifaceted approach included partnerships with key industry stakeholders such as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), with regular engagement sessions to address issues like multiple taxation in the hospitality sector.
As part of its efforts to preserve Lagos’s rich cultural legacy, the government revived the historic Fanti Carnival in April 2025. The event, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, was held at the Remembrance Arcade on Lagos Island and attracted thousands of local and international tourists.
“The revival of the Fanti Carnival honours the legacy of Afro-Brazilians who returned to Lagos in the 19th century and showcases the enduring cultural fusion that defines our identity,” she explained.
The Ministry also undertook the restoration of 30 heritage monuments, with 11 already completed. Notable sites include Nigeria’s first post office in Epe, the Agia Tree Cenotaph in Badagry, and the Door of Return, further boosting historical tourism in the state.
Benson-Awoyinka said that efforts to rebuild critical cultural infrastructure are underway, including the reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
She said, “In November 2024, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History was launched, drawing high-profile visitors such as Crowned Princess Victoria of Sweden and American cultural delegations.
“Lagos is increasingly on the global map. From hosting BBC Studios executives to meeting with CNN’s Richard Quest and Global Tourism Head Zara Driss at the World Travel Market in London, our message is clear—Lagos is open for global tourism and investment.”
She also announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at The Headies 2025 for his administration’s support for the creative industry.
The Commissioner said the Ministry has partnered with top-tier creative academies—Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy—to train over 10,000 youths in film production, animation, screenwriting, and sound design.
Through the Skill-Up Lagos initiative, 50 young people were also trained in traditional basket weaving. Furthermore, a new initiative, African Music Next Talent Hunt, in collaboration with international music labels such as Empire, is aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of African music stars.
“Our goal is to harness the power of the creative sector to create jobs, reduce youth unemployment, and build sustainable careers for our young people,” she said.
The Commissioner announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is enforcing new regulations for beach tourism operations to enhance safety and environmental sustainability. Key tourist assets such as Topo Island, Ilashe Beach Resort, and Akodo Beach have been recovered and repositioned for development.
To ensure proper regulation of hospitality businesses, a statewide Hotel Registration Platform has been launched. All operators are now required to register via https://lasgtourism.com and prominently display their certificates.
The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board also issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers and actively engaged in digital content regulation conferences to uphold industry standards.
Highlighting the economic impact of cultural events, Mrs Benson-Awoyinka said the 2024 Greater Lagos Fiesta, which featured major acts like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage across five divisions, culminated in a grand New Year countdown at Tafawa Balewa Square.
“The Fiesta alone brought in thousands of tourists boosted local businesses, and reaffirmed our status as Africa’s entertainment capital,” she said.
In addition, the Lagos Shopping Festival held at Onikan Stadium drew over 50,000 visitors and featured more than 400 vendors, demonstrating the economic synergy between tourism, culture, and commerce.