Lagos Leading Drive For Investment-Ready Tourism Growth In Nigeria – Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has said that the future of Nigeria’s tourism sector lies in building an ecosystem that is attractive to investors, backed by infrastructure, policy certainty, and strong public-private partnerships.The Governor stated this in a keynote address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, at the 2026 BusinessDay Tourism Conference 3.0, held on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme: ”Nigeria’s Tourism: From Resilience to Investment-Ready Growth”, brought together policymakers, investors, tourism operators, and development partners to chart a new path for the sector.

Representing the Governor, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila commended BusinessDay Media for convening the dialogue, describing the theme as “a national call to action.”

“For many years, we have spoken about Nigeria’s immense tourism potential. We have celebrated our culture, festivals, creative talents and landscapes. Yet, potential alone does not create jobs. Potential alone does not attract capital. Potential alone does not build destinations. Investment does,” he said.

He noted that the next chapter of Nigeria’s tourism story must be written: “not merely in brochures and promotional campaigns, but in infrastructure, policy certainty, innovation, strategic partnerships and investor confidence.”

Highlighting Lagos’ approach, the Governor said the State views tourism beyond leisure, as an intersection of transportation, security, urban planning, technology, arts, culture, sports, entertainment and commerce.

He cited ongoing investments such as the Blue Line and Red Line rail systems, road upgrades, waterfront regeneration, cleaner public spaces, and expanded digital connectivity as deliberate steps to improve visitor experience and business competitiveness.

Source: Lagos State Government