The Lagos State Government has significantly ramped up its investment in the creative, entertainment, and tourism industries, sponsoring over 200 events and programmes in the past 12 months as part of a broader strategy to solidify the state’s position as Africa’s leading creative and tourism hub.
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, disclosed this during the ongoing 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, held to commemorate the seventh year in office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration. She revealed that the state invested several billion naira in sponsorships and direct support for the sector.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry supported 201 events, festivals, and creative programmes during the review period. This marks a notable increase from 143 initiatives backed in the previous year.
“This substantial support underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening Lagos’ entertainment and tourism ecosystem, which serves as a vital engine for economic growth, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and job creation,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.
The increased backing builds on prior efforts, including over ₦8.4–8.5 billion spent in the previous cycle to sponsor cultural events and festivals. These investments have helped fuel Lagos’ vibrant creative economy, encompassing Nollywood, music, fashion, visual arts, and heritage tourism.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, continues to leverage its rich cultural diversity, coastal attractions, and dynamic entertainment scene to attract local, regional, and international visitors. Initiatives supported by the Ministry range from major festivals and carnivals to community-based creative programmes and tourism development projects. These efforts aim to position Lagos as a year-round destination while nurturing homegrown talent.
In addition to financial sponsorships, the Ministry has issued endorsement letters and provided other forms of facilitation to creative stakeholders, further easing operational challenges and encouraging private sector participation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has consistently highlighted the creative industries as strategic priorities, viewing them as key drivers of sustainable development and inclusive prosperity in Africa’s most populous city.
As Lagos pushes forward with infrastructure projects, heritage revival, and innovative tourism offerings — such as water tours and resort developments — the heightened support for events signals a sustained policy focus on harnessing culture and creativity for economic transformation.
Stakeholders in the creative and tourism sectors have welcomed the development, seeing it as a strong affirmation of government partnership in building a resilient and globally competitive industry.
The full details of the Ministry’s scorecard are being presented as part of the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefings at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.
