Lagos State proposes a return voyage and waterfront housing scheme to enhance cultural tourism and connect diaspora communities to their heritage

The Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Solomon Bonu, has called for the creation of a housing scheme and a return voyage experience to strengthen cultural tourism in the state.

Also read: Lagos Street Art Festival Sparks Positive Creative Shift

Bonu made the remarks during a Meet and Greet with media representatives, organised by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) on Monday in Lagos.

The meeting focused on fostering collaboration to promote the economic potential of the tourism sector and supportive policies.

Speaking on engaging the diaspora, Bonu highlighted feedback from the Badagry-Diaspora Festival, noting that many overseas communities expressed interest in returning to Nigeria for a more immersive experience.

Rather than air travel, African-descendant visitors preferred a return voyage by sea along the West African coastline, stopping at historic slave points before arriving in Badagry for the annual festival.

“Some visitors have traced their genetic history back to Nigeria, and they want to experience their heritage firsthand during the 2026 festival,” Bonu explained.

“They want to start the journey from one historic site to another along the coast, finally arriving in Badagry, where they will spend about seven days. Stops will include Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Ghana before ending the voyage in Badagry.”

The lawmaker also proposed allocating a waterfront estate in Badagry exclusively for diasporan communities.

“They can use it whenever they visit; it can serve as service apartments,” Bonu said, adding that the project would not only enhance cultural tourism but also serve as a symbolic gateway for returning visitors.

Also read: Lagos International Theatre Festival Delivers Vibrant Opening

Bonu expressed optimism that the return voyage initiative, coupled with dedicated housing, would deepen diaspora engagement, boost tourism revenue, and strengthen Nigeria’s cultural heritage promotion.