Lagos Supports 200+ Cultural Events In Push To Become Africa’s Tourism Capital

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE, LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading tourism and creative capital after supporting more than 200 cultural, entertainment and tourism events within one year under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja,on Wedneaday, where she highlighted what she described as major milestones achieved by the ministry in the last 12 months.

According to her, the ministry sponsored 201 festivals, entertainment programmes and cultural initiatives this year, a sharp increase from the 143 supported in the previous year.

The supported projects cut across fashion, music, theatre, food tourism, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, youth empowerment, film, comedy and international tourism events, reflecting what officials described as Lagos’ growing influence in Africa’s creative economy.

Among the major events backed by the state were the Lagos Fanti Carnival, AFRIMA Awards, Lagos Fashion Week, Headies Awards, Lagos Cocktail Week, Lagos International Jazz Festival, Lagos Street Festival and the E1 Lagos Grand Prix-Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race.

Benson-Awoyinka said the state’s tourism and creative policies were deliberately designed to strengthen Lagos’ global visibility while creating jobs, preserving heritage and stimulating economic growth.

“As one of the critical drivers of socio-economic growth and cultural identity, the Ministry remains committed to developing and implementing progressive policies and initiatives that position Lagos as Africa’s foremost destination for tourism, hospitality, entertainment, arts, culture, and creative enterprise,” she said.

“One of the biggest cultural highlights of the year was the revival of the historic Eyo Festival after nearly a decade, honouring late elder statesmen and notable Lagos figures including Chief Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola,” she said.

The commissioner said the festival boosted economic activities across fashion, food, entertainment and tourism sectors while reinforcing Lagos’ indigenous identity.

According to her, Lagos hosted more than 40,000 participants and visitors during the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival, which celebrated Afro-Brazilian heritage and attracted tourists and cultural enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

“In the area of heritage tourism, the government revealed that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recorded 56,040 visitors, while Freedom Park welcomed 27,593 visitors and the Badagry Heritage Museum attracted over 10,000 tourists.

“The J. Randle Centre also secured global recognition after winning the prestigious Thea Award in Orlando, Florida, for excellence in immersive storytelling and cultural innovation,” she added.

Benson-Awoyinka further disclosed that Lagos issued over 2,000 filming permits to production companies and filmmakers within the review period, reinforcing the state’s dominance as Nigeria’s biggest film production hub.

She said more than 10,000 young creatives also benefited from capacity-building programmes executed in partnership with institutions such as Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy and GIDI Creative Academy.

“The government additionally unveiled plans to harmonise hotel licensing laws and tourism-related fees to reduce multiple taxation and improve ease of doing business for hospitality operators in Lagos,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka said the reforms would strengthen investor confidence and help attract more tourism investments into the state.

From left: Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, during the Lagos State Government Year 2026 Ministerial News Conference by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in commemoration of the 7th years in office of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday (20/05/26)