The Lagos State Government has announced that its major tourism, entertainment and transport agencies are fully prepared to manage a safe, organised and lively festive season across the state. The assurance followed a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island, where key industry players met to align plans ahead of the December celebrations.
In a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the meeting was described as an important step in strengthening collaboration among government agencies and private-sector operators. The theme of the engagement, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos”, set the tone for discussions on improving visitor experience, enhancing public safety and supporting economic activities during the festive period.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, told participants that Lagos continues to be Nigeria’s most visited tourism destination, attracting millions of residents, local visitors, and Nigerians in the diaspora who return home for the holidays. She explained that the festive season presents major economic benefits, especially for the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors, and these opportunities can only be maximised when agencies work together.
According to her, the state government is committed to ensuring that all December activities are properly regulated, safe for the public and designed to give visitors a memorable experience. She said improved coordination among government ministries and tourism operators will help Lagos deliver one of its most organised and colourful festive seasons. Benson-Awoyinka urged stakeholders to obey regulatory guidelines, adopt global best practices, and maintain the standards that make Lagos a leading entertainment and cultural capital in West Africa.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Yacoob Alebiosu, also assured stakeholders that the state is taking steps to secure and manage the waterfront corridors ahead of the expected rise in boat traffic and leisure activities. He said the ministry is working closely with the Lagos State Waterways Authority and other maritime agencies to improve jetty management, strengthen surveillance, and prevent unsafe boarding practices. He added that the state is committed to keeping waterfront areas clean, secure and functional for both tourists and regular commuters.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, said his ministry is prepared to manage the heavy movement of people and goods expected across the state during December. He explained that the government has rolled out an integrated traffic management plan covering road, water and intermodal transportation systems. He also announced extended service hours for public transportation and increased coordination with security agencies to ensure smooth movement around key event centres and entertainment corridors.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated that more than 2,000 officers will be deployed across major routes such as Lekki-Epe, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ikeja and Ikorodu throughout the month. He assured the public that the agency will work round the clock to reduce gridlock, ease congestion and respond quickly to emergencies.
On water transportation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, and the Managing Director of Lagferry, Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun, said that the waterways will operate under strict safety procedures. They highlighted increased patrols, compulsory use of life jackets, extended ferry schedules and improved monitoring systems. They explained that the state is prepared to handle the higher number of tourists and commuters expected to use boats during the festive period.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, represented by Mr Olubunmi Jegede, also addressed safety preparations for concerts and major events. He said event organisers must follow key safety guidelines, including providing trained safety marshals, ambulances, firefighting tools, crowd-control structures and clearly marked emergency exits. He explained that compliance checks, safety audits and monitoring will be intensified throughout December.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Tunde Ajayi, warned that environmental rules will be strictly enforced during concerts and nightlife events. He stressed that while Lagos promotes entertainment and tourism, agencies must protect residents from excessive noise and other forms of environmental pollution. He noted that the agency will ensure a balance between entertainment activities and the right of residents to enjoy a peaceful environment.
The Lagos State Government said the combined efforts of these agencies show its determination to create a safe, vibrant and well-managed festive atmosphere. The state believes that with cooperation from event organisers, transportation operators, tourism stakeholders and residents, Lagos can deliver a world-class December experience for everyone.
