Lagos State says it supported over 200 cultural and tourism events in one year to boost its creative economy and position the state as Africa’s tourism hub

The 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.

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The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, where she highlighted key achievements recorded by the ministry over the past 12 months.

According to her, the ministry sponsored 201 festivals, entertainment programmes and cultural initiatives within the review period, an increase from 143 events supported in the previous year.

The supported programmes cut across fashion, music, theatre, food tourism, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, comedy, youth empowerment initiatives and international tourism events, reflecting Lagos’ expanding role 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 government’s tourism and cultural policies are designed to boost global visibility, create jobs, preserve heritage and drive economic growth across the state.

She noted that one of the major cultural highlights of the year was the revival of the historic Eyo Festival after nearly a decade, which honoured prominent Lagos figures including Chief Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

According to her, the festival significantly boosted economic activities across tourism-related sectors including fashion, food and entertainment while strengthening Lagos’ cultural identity.

The commissioner also disclosed that the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival attracted over 40,000 participants and visitors, celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage and drawing tourists from different parts of the world.

She added that heritage tourism sites also recorded increased patronage, with the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History welcoming 56,040 visitors, Freedom Park receiving 27,593 visitors, and the Badagry Heritage Museum attracting over 10,000 tourists.

The J. Randle Centre also gained international recognition after winning the prestigious Thea Award in Orlando, Florida, for excellence in immersive storytelling and cultural innovation.

Benson-Awoyinka further revealed that Lagos issued over 2,000 filming permits to production companies and filmmakers within the review period, reinforcing its position as Nigeria’s leading film production hub.

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

The government also plans to harmonise hotel licensing laws and tourism-related fees to reduce multiple taxation and improve ease of doing business for hospitality operators in the state.

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According to her, the reforms are aimed at strengthening investor confidence and attracting more tourism-related investments into Lagos.