Honourable Bonu Solomon Saanu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism and Culture, has renewed the call for the full implementation of the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan. He made this appeal during a meeting with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in his office.
Saanu, who represents the Badagry 1 constituency, emphasized that the growth and global competitiveness of Lagos State’s tourism sector depend heavily on the effective execution of the master plan. The document—unveiled on July 21, 2021, after extensive expert review and stakeholder consultations—was designed as a blueprint for transforming Lagos into a top-tier tourism destination. Yet, several years after its launch, implementation has stalled, leaving many of its strategic pillars untapped.
According to the lawmaker, he has initiated efforts to revive the process by engaging former permanent secretaries and directors of the state’s Ministry of Tourism who were directly involved in crafting the plan. These consultations, he explained, will help reassess the document, update its provisions where necessary, and kick-start a phased execution aligned with the current administration’s vision. He noted that this renewed push is essential for ensuring that the state does not lose ground in the increasingly competitive global tourism marketplace.
Saanu stressed that meaningful tourism development cannot occur without a structured, forward-looking roadmap. He revealed that discussions are already underway with the state governor to secure key approvals, especially those related to funding, policy harmonization, and the involvement of technical experts with a deep understanding of tourism dynamics. According to him, Lagos must begin to move from potential to action by turning plans into visible, measurable outcomes.
The legislator identified several critical components of tourism—such as transportation, agro-tourism, and medical tourism—questioning whether these sectors are currently receiving the level of attention and investment required to make them viable attractions. Efficient transportation, he argued, remains the backbone of tourism, determining visitor experience and overall accessibility to key destinations. Similarly, agro-tourism and medical tourism could unlock new revenue streams and diversify the state’s tourism offerings if nurtured strategically.
Saanu also raised concerns about persistent revenue leakages within the sector. He lamented that many public spaces, parks, and recreational areas are being overrun by fun seekers without structured systems in place to ensure proper revenue collection and accountability. This, he warned, denies the state valuable funds that could be reinvested to maintain and upgrade tourism facilities.
To drive meaningful progress, the lawmaker called for stronger collaboration with the private sector. He believes that public–private partnerships will not only inject the needed capital into the sector but also enhance operational efficiency, infrastructure development, and service delivery. Such partnerships, he said, are crucial for positioning Lagos as a destination that can attract both local and international tourists, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
Beyond partnership and planning, Saanu underscored the importance of transparency and fiscal discipline. He advocated for increased budgetary support to the Ministry of Tourism, regular audits, and transparent financial reporting to ensure that funds dedicated to the sector are properly utilized. According to him, accountability is a fundamental pillar of sustainable tourism development and must be embedded in every stage of the master plan’s implementation.
He reiterated that implementing the Tourism Master Plan is not merely an administrative exercise but a strategic move that could unlock massive socio-economic benefits for millions of residents. With renewed commitment from both government and stakeholders, Saanu expressed optimism that Lagos State can reclaim its position as a leading cultural and tourism hub in Africa.
