Lagos State Government under the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructural Development have said that Lagos residents and visitors will benefit maximal waterfront tourism experience in this yuletide season, following the reforms aimed in strengthening the state’s tourism experience.

The state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed this during the state’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders’ summit held recently in Lagos.

The summit, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, with the theme, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos.”

The Commissioner noted that festive season often showcase Lagos’ readiness to deliver a modern, competitive and globally appealing tourism environment.

According to him, the state’s waterways remain one of its richest assets and must be developed to a standard that reflects Lagos’ ambition.

“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 required precision, regulatory strength, and long-term planning, adding that Lagos had tightened its frameworks to ensure waterfront projects aligned with international benchmarks.

He expressed concern over the design of certain waterfront communities, noting that some developments block or turn away the flow of water. “It defeats the purpose when buildings face the road and fence off the water. A tourism-driven coastal city must embrace its coastline,” he said.

Mr. Alebiosu said the state had begun rehabilitating jetties and installing modern concrete pontoons, describing the upgrades as a major departure from previous infrastructure standards. He added that Lagos was awaiting final approval to begin the long-anticipated boardwalk project along the Wole Olateju waterfront, a site he said had remained underutilised for years.

He also confirmed the redesign of the Bariga jetty into a modern fish market as part of broader efforts to encourage increased use of water for transport, trade and recreation. The commissioner said the state was in discussions with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Transportation to address the siting of some jetties in unsuitable areas.

“We do not execute reclamation in isolation. We work with private proponents in line with global best practices, with Detty December approaching, Alebiosu assured that residents and tourists would 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 added.