- Modern Jetties, Boardwalks to Redefine Lagos Festive Experience
- The commissioner noted that reclamation projects require precision, regulatory oversight, and long-term planning
- Alebiosu emphasized that Lagos’ waterways are among its richest assets
The Lagos State Government has announced that residents and visitors will enjoy a significantly upgraded waterfront experience this Detty December, thanks to ongoing reforms aimed at boosting the state’s tourism appeal.
The state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Dayo Alebiosu, revealed this on Sunday following the state’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders’ summit, themed “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos.”
Alebiosu emphasized that Lagos’ waterways are among its richest assets and must be developed to a standard reflecting the city’s ambition. “Tourism is an experience, and December brings a global audience to our city. We must present waterfronts that meet the quality people see in places like Scandinavia and the Palm Jumeirah,” he said.
The commissioner noted that reclamation projects require precision, regulatory oversight, and long-term planning. He expressed concern over certain waterfront developments that block or divert the natural flow of water, saying, “It defeats the purpose when buildings face the road and fence off the water. A tourism-driven coastal city must embrace its coastline.”
Lagos has begun rehabilitating jetties and installing modern concrete pontoons, marking a major improvement from previous standards.
The state is also awaiting final approval to begin a long-anticipated boardwalk along the Wole Olateju waterfront and has redesigned the Bariga jetty into a modern fish market to encourage water-based transport, trade, and recreation.
Alebiosu confirmed ongoing consultations with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Transportation to ensure jetties are sited appropriately and stressed that all reclamation work is aligned with private sector collaboration and global best practices.
With Detty December approaching, Alebiosu assured that the impact of the waterfront reforms will soon be visible. “Our goal is to position Lagos as Africa’s most dynamic and welcoming festive destination. The changes happening along our waterfronts will speak for themselves this season,” he said.
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