Lagos Taps Into Agritourism to Boost Culture, Rural Economy

Lagos Taps Into Agritourism to Boost Culture, Rural Economy

LAGOS, July 7, 2025 — The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to harnessing the power of agritourism as a tool to deepen the connection between agriculture and the tourism, arts, and culture sectors, while also promoting sustainable rural development.

This was the central message delivered at the 2025 Xtralarge World Agritourism Expo Festival held on Thursday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, said the state is ready to explore its agricultural potential in new, innovative ways that attract both local and international visitors.

“Lagos, while being Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, also boasts a rich agricultural landscape—from its coastal regions to its fertile hinterlands—offering an ideal canvas for agritourism,” she said.

The Commissioner described agritourism as a strategic initiative that integrates farming experiences into tourism, arts, and culture. “It is not merely an economic activity but a cultural bridge that reconnects city dwellers with rural traditions and the creative expressions embedded within them,” she said.

According to her, Lagos is expanding its tourism offerings by introducing experiences that go beyond the conventional—blending farm life, local cuisine, cultural performances, and traditional craftsmanship to create a holistic and enriching tourist experience.

To achieve this, she highlighted key government initiatives such as the Agricultural Tourism Development Programme, collaborative efforts with local farmers and artisans, and infrastructure investments to support farm stays, rural festivals, and community-based cultural events.

“These efforts are part of a larger vision to build a thriving agritourism ecosystem that supports local farmers, promotes cultural preservation, and strengthens our tourism economy,” Benson-Awoyinka noted.

In his remarks, the convener and chairman of Xtralarge Farms & Resorts, Dr. Seyi Davids, described the World Agritourism Festival as a transformative platform aimed at unlocking the vast potential of agritourism in Nigeria.

“This festival is not just an event—it is a commitment to sustainable agriculture, rural empowerment, and cultural preservation,” Dr. Davids stated.

He added that the festival serves to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and environmentally responsible farming models, with the aim of enhancing food security and inspiring future-ready agricultural innovations.

Dr. Davids also emphasized the role of agritourism in stimulating rural economies and creating new opportunities for agro-entrepreneurship.

With this initiative, Lagos is positioning itself as a leading destination for cultural tourism that is deeply rooted in nature, heritage, and sustainable development.