The Lagos State Government has emphasized that its expanding tourism, arts, and culture drive is not merely about entertainment but a serious economic strategy. This initiative is already attracting investments, boosting small businesses, and creating new opportunities for thousands of young entrepreneurs across the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, made this case while addressing journalists in Lagos. He highlighted the efforts of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to position Lagos as a priority destination for global tourists. Aregbe stated that the state's approach is built on the conviction that Lagos is not merely a city but a civilization. He added that every program rolled out under his office over the last 12 months was designed to convert culture into economic value.
Key Initiatives Driving Tourism Growth
Among the most visible initiatives is the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, co-produced with Naija Brand Chick. This fair has grown into one of Nigeria's largest SME and commerce gatherings, bringing together hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of visitors. Sales projections run into billions of naira, showcasing the event's economic impact.
Aregbe also pointed to the state's collaboration with private investors in the leisure sector. The Giwa Gardens partnership, for example, offered 100,000 free tickets during the festive season, widening access to recreational tourism and stimulating activity around the Lekki-Epe corridor. Such partnerships are helping Lagos attract more capital into hospitality, entertainment, and tourism infrastructure, especially from diaspora investors seeking a reliable business environment.
Structured Tourism Calendar
Lagos has also formalized its festive tourism calendar through the 101 Days in Lagos initiative. This program packages the ember months into a structured tourism product, bringing together hundreds of events across culture, food, nightlife, and entertainment. It makes it easier for visitors, residents, and investors to plan and spend. The goal is to move Lagos beyond a seasonal party destination and make tourism a year-round economic engine.
Other initiatives highlighted include Skill Up Lagos, through which more than 1,000 creatives have been trained over the last two years; Cook Lagos. Eat Lagos., a gastronomy tourism program promoting local cuisine and supporting food entrepreneurs; and Tourism Support Services, a year-round framework involving key government agencies to keep the state clean, safe, and visitor-ready.
Cultural Diplomacy and Heritage Preservation
Aregbe said the administration is also using culture diplomacy to promote Lagos globally through international festivals, art tours, foreign delegations, and heritage showcases. Events such as Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe, Isese Day palace visits, Beauty in Motherland, See Lagos, See Culture, Culturati, and the commissioning of the Eyo Statue at John Randle Centre are all part of a larger plan to preserve heritage while creating commercial value from the creative sector.
