LAGOS: The Lagos State Government has announced plans to offer residents and visitors a refreshed and more vibrant waterfront experience during this year’s Detty December festivities.
The move follows a series of reforms aimed at boosting the state’s appeal as a leading tourism destination.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, revealed the plans in a statement on Sunday after the Lagos Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders’ Summit.
The summit, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, focused on the theme: Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos.
Detty December Nigeria’s popular slang for the lively, festive period from mid-December to the New Year typically draws thousands of fun-seekers to Lagos.
Alebiosu said the state is now positioned to offer a tourism experience that is modern, competitive and globally appealing.
According to him, Lagos’ waterways remain one of its greatest tourism assets and must be developed to meet international standards.
Tourism is an experience, and December brings a global audience to our city,” he said. “We must present waterfronts that meet the quality people see in places like Scandinavia and the Palm Jumeirah.
He noted that land reclamation and waterfront development require strict regulation, expertise and long-term planning. Lagos, he added, has strengthened its regulatory frameworks to ensure ongoing projects meet global benchmarks.
Alebiosu expressed concern over poorly designed waterfront communities that block natural water flow or turn away from the coastline.
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.
The commissioner also revealed that the state has begun rehabilitating jetties and installing modern concrete pontoons an upgrade he described as a major improvement over previous infrastructure.
He added that Lagos is awaiting final clearance to begin the long-anticipated boardwalk project along the Wole Olateju waterfront, which has remained underused for years.
In addition, the Bariga Jetty is being redesigned into a modern fish market to encourage greater use of waterways for transport, trade and recreation.
He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Transportation to address issues around jetties built in unsuitable locations.
We do not execute reclamation in isolation. We work with private proponents in line with global best practices, Alebiosu said.
With Detty December getting closer, he assured residents and tourists that the impact of these reforms would soon be visible.
Our goal is to position Lagos as Africa’s most dynamic and welcoming festive destination, he said. The changes happening along our waterfronts will speak for themselves this December.
