By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has unveiled major achievements spanning tourism reforms, heritage preservation, creative industry development and cultural promotion.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, presented the scorecard during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Ikeja.

Among the major reforms announced was the government’s move to harmonise hotel licensing procedures, tourism permits and regulatory levies to improve ease of doing business within the hospitality sector.

The Commissioner disclosed that more than 500 hospitality establishments had already been captured in an ongoing statewide enumeration exercise aimed at building a comprehensive tourism database.

She also highlighted ongoing monument and infrastructure projects including the reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, the installation of solar power systems at Badagry heritage sites and the construction of monuments honouring former Lagos leaders.

Benson-Awoyinka announced that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History won the Outstanding Achievement Award for a Historic Centre at the 32nd Annual Thea Awards in Orlando, Florida.

According to her, the global recognition further strengthened Lagos’ position as a leading destination for heritage tourism and cultural innovation.

The Commissioner added that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board trained over 10,000 creatives through partnerships with institutions including Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy and GIDI Creative Academy.

She disclosed that the board also issued over 2,000 filming permits to filmmakers and production companies operating in the state.

Other achievements highlighted included the hosting of the Fanti Carnival, AFRIMA, E1 Lagos GP electric boat race and several international tourism collaborations.

Benson-Awoyinka stated that the ministry remained committed to strengthening tourism, hospitality, arts and culture as key drivers of socio-economic development.