The tourism industry is becoming a powerful engine for the economic growth in Lagos State.
It contributes N4.1 trillion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to insights shared at the 2024 World Tourism Day celebration.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, emphasised the sector’s growing influence, with projections suggesting that tourism would account for around 10 per cent of the state’s GDP in the coming years.
Delivering a keynote address, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, the Oniru of Iru-land, underscored the sector’s contribution to the economic expansion witnessed under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which saw Lagos’ GDP rise from N27 trillion to N41 trillion over the past four years.
Oba Lawal highlighted Lagos as a city poised to become a global tourism hub, ‘’thanks to its rich cultural history, dynamic arts scene and picturesque waterfronts, making it a prime destination for local and international visitors.’’
The Oniru said Lagos attracted millions of visitors annually, with the city’s beachfronts alone drawing in 1.2 million visitors every year.
Key tourist hotspots such as Elegushi and Oniru beaches experience a surge of 500,000 visitors during peak seasons.
The monarch said the Oniru axis of Lagos had seen substantial investments, surpassing N100 billion and covering about 300,000 square metres.
‘’These developments have created over 10,000 jobs linked to tourism-related activities.
“Tourism has a unique potential to generate employment, reduce poverty and promote peace,” Oba Lawal noted, citing examples of how festivals such as Ejiwa Elegba festival played a significant role in job creation, while preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos communities.
Despite its potential, Oba Lawal acknowledged that Lagos’ tourism sector faced challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies and concerns about property rights, which continued to hinder its full development.
“The government is working to address these issues by improving infrastructure and enhancing security to make Lagos a more attractive destination for tourists,” he said.