By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that a total of 18,273 international tourists visited the state in 2024, marking a steady increase in foreign arrivals and reinforcing Lagos’ growing reputation as a global tourism destination.
The figure represents a rise from 14,357 visitors in 2022 and 16,798 in 2023, according to data presented on Tuesday during a Public Policy Engagement Session with key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the entertainment and tourism sectors. The session was organised by the Policy Analysis, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department of the Cabinet Office in Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reaffirmed Lagos’ ambition to rank among Africa’s top five destinations for cultural and heritage tourism.
She was represented by Mrs Kehinde Gbajumo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SSG, who said the government was scaling up its investment in tourism infrastructure, entertainment, and the creative economy to attract more international visitors.
Salu-Hundeyin explained that the engagement session was designed to assess the progress made under the current administration’s entertainment and tourism agenda.
She added that insights gathered from the deliberations would be reviewed by the Policy Analysis, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department to enhance data-driven decision-making and guide the implementation of tourism policies.
In his remarks, Mr Oladele Oyatope, Head of the Department, said the session aimed to evaluate the performance indicators of the fifth pillar of the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which focuses on entertainment and tourism.
He stated that Lagos’ tourism growth is being driven by two strategic documents the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan (2020–2040) and the Lagos State Tourism Policy both serving as long-term blueprints for sustainable development.
According to him, the master plan projects that by 2040, Lagos would increase tourism receipts to $5.1 billion and create more than 1.1 million direct tourism jobs.
Oyatope, however, emphasised the need for stronger global branding and cultural advocacy to consolidate Lagos’ standing as a premier tourism hub.
“A major area we must improve on is branding and advocacy, promoting the unique cultural identity of Lagos so that more people are drawn to visit and experience what the state offers,” he said.