Tourists, Get Ready!…Details As Lagos Ups Waterfronts Ahead Holidays

Lagos is stepping into the festive season with renewed energy as the state government intensifies efforts to transform its waterfront infrastructure ahead of the expected December tourism boom.

With construction works, reclamation projects, enforcement activities, and new water transportation routes advancing simultaneously, officials say the state is primed to host one of its safest and most vibrant holiday seasons yet.

At the centre of the renewed push is the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development – with Dayo Alebiosu at the helm as Commissioner -which has spent the past year accelerating projects aligned with the THEMES PLUS agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The strategy is clear: modernize the waterfronts, enhance safety, expand access, and boost commercial activities across the coastal corridors that define Lagos’ identity.

Thirteen new jetties are currently under construction across the state, with several already nearing completion.

This comes in addition to the seven jetties and terminals handed over to the Lagos State Waterways Authority last year.

Independent sources the fresh round of infrastructure will shorten travel time, ease pressure on Lagos’ roads, and give tourists and residents faster access to major festive hotspots during the December rush.

The Ikorodu-to-Mende 6.8km ferry channel, now being opened up through active dredging and route mapping, is one of the new pathways expected to ease movement for commuters travelling during the holiday period.

The channelization exercise, identified by LASWA and LAGFERRY, aims to make water travel safer and more efficient for both residents and visitors.

But beyond development, the state is also tightening enforcement to guarantee safety on the waterways.

The Ministry under the guidance of Alebiosu has intensified surveillance across waterfront corridors, shutting down illegal jetty operations, halting unauthorized reclamation work, and clamping down on unsafe shoreline extensions.

In recent weeks, locally fabricated dredging machines operating without permits were seized, and six operators were arrested and prosecuted at the State Mobile Court in Oshodi.

Officials describe these actions as necessary to prevent environmental degradation and ensure that Lagos waterfronts remain secure for the surge of December activities.

Reclamation and island development projects such as Eko Atlantic, Orange Island, Gracefield Island, and Amuwo Odofin Waterfront Scheme continue to advance as part of broader plans to expand land availability and enhance the state’s tourism potential.

With several new proposals awaiting approval, the state says investor confidence is rising—an encouraging sign as Lagos positions itself as a global coastal destination.

Technology is also entering the mix. The Ministry has begun deploying drones to survey lagoons, rivers, and creeks, capturing geospatial data that will guide planning, monitoring, and enforcement. Bathymetric surveys are underway to improve navigation and help authorities keep waterways safe during the high-traffic season.

With December approaching, officials are confident that the combined push for infrastructure, enforcement, and innovation will create a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors.

Alebiosu insists that the vision is to ensure not just a festive season marked by fun, but one anchored on safety, orderliness, and improved mobility.

As work continues across the waterfronts, Lagos prepares to welcome thousands looking to experience the city’s coastal charm at its peak.