LAGOS PUSHES COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM FOR GLOBAL EXPOSURE

The Lagos State Government is seeking to connect tourism attractions in local communities with the global market as part of efforts to expand the state’s tourism sector.

The initiative will give Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas a greater role in identifying, developing and promoting tourism opportunities within their communities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said community participation was important to building a sustainable tourism industry. She said local authorities were well positioned to identify tourism assets and ensure residents benefit from their development. 

The ministry is scheduled to hold a stakeholders’ workshop on October 8, 2026, in Ikeja. The event will focus on strengthening community-based tourism and examining ways to turn local participation into economic opportunities.

The development comes alongside Lagos’ engagement with Skål International, a global network of tourism professionals. The organisation is considering Nigeria as a possible host for its World Congress, with Lagos identified as a preferred destination.

During a recent visit, the Skål delegation toured tourism sites including the Badagry Museum and Point of No Return.

The Lagos Government said stronger collaboration with international tourism networks could improve the visibility of the state’s attractions while community participation would help broaden tourism development beyond major commercial centres.