Mr. Solomon Saanu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Culture, stated that the implementation of the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan will commence in 2026.
Mr. Saanu made the assurance during a meeting with members of the association of Nigeria Journalists and writers of tourism in his office in Lagos.
“Lagos has the population and also tourism destinations. It is time for us to utilize these potentials and turn it into a money spinning mechine that is returned in investment for the state.
So what I have to do, having the knowledge of the executive arm of government, and also the legislative arm of government, is for us to sit down, think together, to put a legislative framework that can propel tourism in Lagos”. He said
Speaking on how to go about the implementation, the lawmaker said: “Currently, I initiated a plan. I had to call on all the state’s past permanent secretaries and directors in the state’s ministry of tourism. I asked them to come so that we could look into how to implement the master-plan.
“You cannot run tourism without a master-plan, and I give credit to those who helped us to package the master-plan. I have a copy here. So, we decided to come up with a programme, set up a committee and start the implementation. Currently, I am in talk with the governor to give all the approval. I have to bring in those that are very knowledgeable in the field also from sectors such as transportation etc, that enables tourism to strive better
So that when the process is about to start, all will be involved”.
Saanu also recommended a strategic collaboration with the private sector.
He said partnership is essential to leverage private sector expertise and resources, ensuring that tourism initiatives are not only well-funded but also efficiently managed.
By fostering a condusive environment for private sector involvement, Lagos can enhance its tourism infrastructure, attract more visitors, and ultimately boost the state’s economy.
The Lawmaker also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in budget allocation and spending. He calls for increased budgetary support for tourism, stressing that a well-funded tourism sector can become a significant economic driver for Lagos State.Also, regular audits and financial reporting are crucial to ensure that funds are utilized effectively, delivering tangible benefits to the state’s tourism landscape.
Ekene Okafor, VON
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