The Lagos State Government says residents and visitors will enjoy a significantly enhanced waterfront experience this Detty December, following new reforms aimed at strengthening the city’s tourism appeal.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday after the state’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders’ summit, convened by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The summit focused on the theme, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos.”
Alebiosu said the festive season would showcase Lagos’ readiness to deliver a modern, competitive and globally appealing tourism environment. He noted that the state’s waterways remain one of its richest assets and must be developed to standards that match Lagos’ ambitions.
“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.
The commissioner explained that reclamation work requires precision, strong regulation and long-term planning. He said Lagos has strengthened its frameworks to ensure waterfront projects meet international benchmarks, adding concern over some waterfront designs that turn away the natural flow of water or fence off coastal views.
He announced that the state has begun rehabilitating jetties and installing modern concrete pontoons—an upgrade he described as a major shift from past infrastructure standards. He added that Lagos is awaiting final approval to begin the long-awaited boardwalk project along the Wole Olateju waterfront while also redesigning the Bariga jetty into a modern fish market to boost water transport, trade and recreation.
Alebiosu said the state is working with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Transportation to correct the siting of certain jetties in unsuitable locations, noting that reclamation projects are implemented in collaboration with private partners and aligned with global best practices.
With Detty December approaching, he assured that Lagosians and visitors will soon feel the impact of the 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 said.