Lagos Invests ₦8.4 Billion in Creative Sector, Revives Fanti Carnival in Major Tourism Drive

Lagos Invests ₦8.4 Billion in Creative Sector, Revives Fanti Carnival in Major Tourism Drive

Lagos, Nigeria – May 28, 2025 — In a bold push to position Lagos as Africa’s top destination for culture and tourism, the Lagos State Government has announced a ₦8.4 billion investment in the creative sector over the past year, alongside the successful revival of the historic Fanti Carnival.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, revealed these achievements on Tuesday at the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing, commemorating the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office and six years of the administration’s transformative THEMES+ Agenda.

Creative Industry Sees Record Investment

Between May 2024 and May 2025, the state government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, sponsored 143 cultural events and festivals, injecting over ₦8.47 billion into the sector.

From major festivals like Felabration, Lagos Fashion Week, and the Headies Awards, to grassroots cultural programmes such as Ede Mi Asa Mi and Efe/Gélédé, the state extended its support across the creative spectrum. The Ministry also issued endorsement letters to 124 stakeholders, empowering them to secure external sponsorship and broaden their reach.

“These initiatives form the backbone of our effort to empower local talent, celebrate our diverse heritage, and attract global attention to Lagos as the creative heartbeat of Africa,” said the Commissioner.

Return of the Fanti Carnival

One of the Ministry’s signature accomplishments was the revival of the iconic Fanti Carnival on April 20, 2025. Held at the Remembrance Arcade on Lagos Island, the vibrant event celebrated the Afro-Brazilian heritage of returnees from the 19th century, with Samba dancers, capoeira performances, and cultural exhibitions drawing large local and international crowds.

“The Fanti Carnival is more than a parade; it’s a reclaiming of our identity and a bridge to the diaspora,” Benson-Awoyinka noted.

Stronger Regulations and Stakeholder Collaboration

To improve safety and regulation within the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, the state is finalizing a comprehensive Hotel Registration Platform — https://lasgtourism.com — for all establishments including hotels, Airbnbs, nightclubs, beaches, and restaurants. Certificates from this registry will soon become mandatory for display at all registered locations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, efforts are also underway to regulate beach operations across the state, improve visitor experiences, and ensure environmental compliance. Strategic beachfronts such as Ilashe, Topo Island, Akodo, and Eko Tourist Beach are already being recovered for development.

The Commissioner also confirmed extensive engagements with tourism and hospitality associations such as FTAN and NATOP to address industry-wide concerns, including multiple taxation.

Festive Cheer and Youth Development

The popular “Light Up Lagos” Yuletide programme returned in December 2024, transforming parks and public spaces into festive villages with decorative lights, Christmas trees, and live performances.

Meanwhile, the Greater Lagos Fiesta 2024 was successfully hosted across the five divisions of the state — Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe — featuring top-tier artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Olamide, and culminating in a New Year’s countdown at Tafawa Balewa Square.

In terms of youth empowerment, the Ministry partnered with premier institutions including Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy to train over 10,000 Lagos youths in fields such as film production, animation, digital content, and sound design.

Preserving Heritage

Lagos is also investing in its past. A total of 30 historical monuments across the state are undergoing restoration and development, with 11 projects already completed.

What Lies Ahead

Looking forward, the Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deepening stakeholder engagement, strengthening infrastructure — particularly around beachfront resorts — and ensuring policy continuity that supports economic growth and creative entrepreneurship.

“Our journey is far from over,” said Benson-Awoyinka. “With continued investment, smart regulation, and strong partnerships, Lagos is on a steady path to becoming the Creative and Tourism Capital of Africa.”

A full list of the 143 supported events and initiatives is available through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.