Lagos Unveils Year-Round Tourism Agenda Beyond “Detty December”

Lagos Unveils Year-Round Tourism Agenda Beyond “Detty December”

… Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka, Fashola, Others Chart New Course at National Tourism Summit

LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the state into an all-season tourism destination, moving beyond the end-of-year festivities popularly known as “Detty December.”

Speaking at the inaugural National Tourism Summit on Thursday, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, outlined an ambitious strategy aimed at establishing Lagos as a hub for year-round tourism, creativity, and cultural celebration.

The summit, themed around the future of Nigerian tourism, was convened by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, in partnership with Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts and supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The event took place at Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts in the scenic Ibeshe/Ikaare Beach corridor.

Addressing participants, Benson-Awoyinka highlighted Lagos’ vast and underexplored tourism assets, stressing the Sanwo-Olu administration's commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem that integrates arts, culture, technology, and entertainment.

“Tourism in Lagos is no longer a December affair. We’re creating a vibrant, year-round experience that positions Lagos as a global destination,” she said, citing signature events like the Fanti Carnival, Lagos Boat Regatta, The Headies, AMVCA, and the Greater Lagos Countdown.

She revealed upcoming initiatives including the E1 Speedboat Racing Championship on the Five Cowries Creek in October, alongside a series of arts, fashion, film, theatre, and tech festivals kicking off in September — all part of the broader plan to brand Lagos as a "City of Festivals."

Benson-Awoyinka acknowledged previous administrations for laying foundational infrastructure, notably the development of the Badagry Slave and Heritage Routes under former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. She called on private investors to collaborate with the state in transforming historic and natural sites into revenue-generating tourism destinations.

“We are enhancing security, infrastructure, and traffic management to support tourism growth. Our goal is for tourism to rival oil as a key economic driver for Nigeria,” she stated.

Delivering the summit’s keynote address, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, emphasized the centrality of infrastructure in unlocking the tourism sector’s potential. He urged sustained investments in amenities that would make destinations like Lagos' beaches attractive to both local and international visitors.

Fashola also praised the creativity of young Nigerians preserving cultural identity and lauded the summit for fostering a forward-thinking conversation on tourism development.

In a goodwill message, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reiterated tourism's strategic role in stimulating economic diversification and job creation.

Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration (Zone A), representing Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced new reforms including the implementation of an e-visa system, improved documentation, and modernized security protocols aimed at simplifying travel for global tourists.

Mr. Richard Shittu, Chairman and CEO of Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts, was commended for co-hosting the event and for his contributions to advancing eco-tourism and hospitality in Nigeria.

The summit concluded with renewed calls for partnerships across government, private sector, and local communities to accelerate Nigeria’s transformation into a thriving tourism destination.