The Lagos State Government says residents and visitors can expect a richer and more vibrant Lagos waterfront tourism experience this Detty December, following major reforms aimed at elevating the city’s global appeal.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday after the state’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders’ summit organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The summit, themed “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos,” focused on building stronger synergy across the sector.
Alebiosu said the festive season would showcase Lagos’ readiness to deliver a modern, competitive and world-class tourism environment, stressing that the state’s waterways remain one of its richest assets.
“Tourism is an experience, and December brings a global audience to our city. We must therefore present waterfronts that meet the quality people see in places like Scandinavia and the Palm Jumeirah,” he said.
He explained that reclamation work requires precision, strong regulation and long-term planning, noting that Lagos has strengthened its frameworks to ensure alignment with international benchmarks. The commissioner criticised the design of some waterfront communities where buildings face the road and fence off the water, saying such practices undermine Lagos waterfront tourism and the city’s coastal identity.
Alebiosu said the state has begun rehabilitating jetties and installing modern concrete pontoons — upgrades he described as a major improvement from previous infrastructure standards. He added that Lagos is awaiting final approval for the long-anticipated boardwalk project along the Wole Olateju waterfront, a site that has remained underutilised for years.
He also confirmed the redesign of the Bariga jetty into a modern fish market as part of efforts to expand the use of waterways for transport, trade and recreation. The state is also in talks with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Transportation to relocate jetties currently sited in unsuitable locations.
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“We do not execute reclamation in isolation. We work with private proponents in line with global best practices,” he stated.
With Detty December fast approaching, Alebiosu assured residents and tourists that they would soon feel the impact of the ongoing reforms.
“Our goal is to position Lagos as Africa’s most dynamic and welcoming festive destination. The changes happening along our waterfronts will speak for themselves this December,” he added.