In a bid to ensure that pragmatic steps are taken towards the development of tourism potential in the state, Lagos State House of Assembly members have called on the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to call for an inter-ministerial meeting to identify each ministry’s effectiveness toward boosting the state waterfront tourism sector....CONTINUE READING
The ministries highlighted in the resolution include the state Ministry for Waterfront Infrastructure Development; the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; and the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The decision followed the motion moved by Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh on the need to ensure development of tourism on the waterfront in the state.
He expressed that waterfront tourism development is crucial for improving the capacity of the state in generating more revenue and offering a variety of attractions such as water sports, entertainment arenas, parks, shopping malls amongst others.
According to him, the state is blessed with natural aquatic splendor and abundant waterfront, which development will boost waterfronts’ revenue capacity; contribute to the improvement of aesthetics of the environment and employment opportunities for the residents as many developed countries boost their revenue by developing their city shorelines such that they become popular tourist attractions.
The House expressed worry over the untapped tourism potentials and the enactment of legislations relating to tourism and infrastructure development in the state as the waterfront continues to be a haven for hoodlums and criminals.
Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo stated that Lagos is a peculiar State which is surrounded by one third of water that possesses tourism potentials and if waterways is cleaned and revamped, will boost the state economy.
Hon. Sanai Agunbiade maintained that communities hosting waterfront lives in abject poverty and the transformation of these waterfronts will change the lifestyle of the people living in the area.
He added that most developed countries develop their Island which in turn boosts their economy and Lagos as a Smart City can emulate such development.
Lending his voice, Hon. Desmond Elliott noted that aside from the importance of tourism towards the state economy; Lagos as a state has a major development plan and such a plan must aim towards development of waterfront infrastructure in the state as a lot of areas need to be developed in order to make tourism accessible to the tourists visiting the state.
