Lagos Champions Sustainable Tourism with Support for Tarkwa Bay Beachfront Entrepreneurs
The Lagos State government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South West Zone, has taken a decisive step to empower local tourism operators on Tarkwa Bay Island. This initiative, which saw the donation of modern grilling and barbecue equipment as well as hands-on training, was part of Lagos’s robust activities marking the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD), themed ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’.
The celebration unfolded on the scenic beachfront of Tarkwa Bay, symbolising a commitment not just to festivities, but to driving tangible transformation in Nigeria’s tourism sector. The event drew together government officials, tourism leaders, and local entrepreneurs, all united by a common vision: using tourism to foster economic resilience, cultural pride, and sustainability across Lagos and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, NATOP President Hajia Bolaji Mustapha emphasised the profound impact tourism can have on communities. “Tourism is not just about leisure, it is about transforming lives,” she said. Highlighting the sector’s role in economic diversification, Mustapha referenced the successes of countries like Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa—nations that have leveraged tourism to reshape their economies and global image. She underscored Nigeria’s even greater potential, blessed with rich culture, diverse landscapes, and a warm, welcoming population.
“To achieve success, we must work together—both the government and private sector—to make the industry thrive. That is why I urge all to visit and explore different tourist sites in Nigeria before we start thinking of touring outside Nigeria. As Nigerians, we need to also know Nigeria,” Mustapha said, calling for a movement that places local discovery and pride at the heart of tourism development.
Tourism, she continued, is fundamentally about people: telling authentic stories, preserving heritage, and building opportunities for future generations. “Together, we can make Nigeria a nation that tourists will not just want to visit, but return to again and again.”
The practical focus of this year’s World Tourism Day celebration was evident in the support extended to beachfront grill and barbecue operators. Explaining the rationale behind the donations, Mustapha acknowledged the instrumental role of FTAN’s Vice President in bringing professional chefs to Tarkwa Bay. These chefs not only provided modern grilling and barbecue equipment but also delivered tailored training to local food vendors.
“When visitors come to this community and the sellers want to serve, the presentation really matters. From what the chefs have taught them, the experience is being elevated,” Mustapha noted. The emphasis on food presentation and preparation aligns with international standards, making Tarkwa Bay’s culinary offerings more appealing to both domestic and foreign visitors. This step is expected to boost the reputation of the island’s eateries and, by extension, attract greater tourist footfall.
Mr. Gbenga Sunmonu, FTAN’s Vice President for the South West Zone, highlighted the broader objectives of the collaboration. “Tourism is used to foster cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development,” he said. Sunmonu praised the Lagos State government and NATOP for their vision and support, reiterating that the 2025 WTD theme of sustainability is not just theoretical, but actionable on the ground.
“One of the things we have come here to do today is to look at our cuisines and see how we can support the community, and see how they can incorporate some new techniques and innovations in the preparation of grilled fish,” Sunmonu shared. The introduction of modern equipment and culinary expertise is expected to enhance the quality, safety, and marketability of the local food sector, opening new economic avenues for Tarkwa Bay residents.
The equipment was formally handed over to restaurant owners and grill operators in a ceremony that was as emotional as it was practical. Accepting the donations on behalf of the recipients, the island’s youth leader, Mr. Agabi Godwin, expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I am speechless, but accept us the way we are. What you have done today is beyond our expectations… We are blessed, and God will bless you all for remembering this island,” he said. Godwin recounted the hardships faced by the community following demolitions and displacement, underscoring how targeted support like this can help restore dignity and hope to marginalized groups.
He added, “Of course you can see with the charcoal, that is how we manage. Thank you in advance for so many other things you promised to do for us.” This sentiment reflects both the challenges and the resilience of Tarkwa Bay’s people, highlighting the vital role of sustainable tourism in creating lasting positive change.
For Nigeria’s—and indeed Africa’s—travel sector, the Tarkwa Bay initiative is a compelling example of how sustainable tourism can translate from policy into meaningful, grassroots impact. By equipping local operators with tools and skills, and by promoting partnerships between government and industry, Lagos is signalling its commitment to a new era of tourism that values people, planet, and prosperity in equal measure.
As African destinations seek to diversify their economies and build resilience in the face of global shifts, such collaborations point the way forward. By focusing on capacity building, sustainable practices, and local pride, the continent’s tourism sector can unlock new opportunities, attract diverse visitors, and inspire communities to become stewards of their own cultural and economic futures.
