The Lagos State Government says it is intensifying waterfront development to position the city as an all-year-round tourist destination with new policies and infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, said this on the sidelines of a tourism event on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Lagos.
The event, “Tourism Stakeholders Engagement Summit”, was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The theme is “Unlocking the Potential and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos”.
Alebiosu said the government aimed at making the Lagos experience stand out globally.
According to him, the government is giving ongoing reclamation projects more character so they can be more globally competitive.
He said the waterfront development would mirror global standards seen in other places like Dubai and Spain.
“There has to be a reason why people will visit Lagos all year round,” he said.
Alebiosu said the government was introducing new infrastructure, including the first boardwalk in Lagos, the first fish market undergoing renovation and high-capacity concrete pontoons.
“It hasn’t been done before. Now we just introduced that.
“So, just to mention a few, these are some of the things we’re looking at injecting into the system in order for the dynamics to change.”
A boardwalk is a walkway made of wooden boards, most commonly found along a beach or shore.
It provides a firm surface for pedestrians to walk on, especially over soft or wet ground like sand, and can also be built in natural areas like wetlands, marshes, or parks to allow access without disturbing the environment.
While pontoons are buoyant, flat-bottomed floats used to support a structure on water, commonly found on flat-decked boats, floating bridges, and seaplanes.
Alebiosu said the reforms were a blend of physical upgrades and new policies.
He explained that collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism was key, as it would give the projects more character and ensure the state achieved its intended service delivery.
By Joan Odafe