Lagos eliminates levies to attract investments to hospitality sector

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Lagos State Government has commenced major reforms in the hospitality sector aimed at simplifying licensing procedures, eliminating multiple levies, and improving investor confidence across the industry.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the annual Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the seventh year in office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Benson-Awoyinka revealed that over 500 tourism and hospitality establishments had already been enumerated across the state as part of efforts to strengthen regulation and reposition the sector for sustainable growth.

According to her, the enumeration exercise will provide the ministry with a comprehensive database to support effective regulation, sector planning, and tourism development initiatives.

She explained that the state government was currently working toward harmonizing tourism laws, permits, and licensing fees to eliminate duplications and reduce unnecessary financial burdens on operators within the hospitality industry.

The commissioner noted that the reforms were expected to improve the ease of doing business and attract more local and foreign investment into the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.

She added that the initiative aligns with the administration’s vision of positioning Lagos as a globally competitive tourism and hospitality destination.

Benson-Awoyinka assured stakeholders that the government would continue engaging operators and industry players to ensure that the reforms support sustainable growth and development within the sector.

She reiterated the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to creating an enabling environment for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry to thrive.