Exploring the Coastal Tourism Potentials of Lagos

Abstract

Nigeria, just like the ASEAN countries, is in the process of metamorphosizing into a developed country. In its quest for developing other sectors of the economy to diversify from its main stay which is oil, Nigeria is looking to tourism as a possible alternative income earner for the nation. Growing statistics indicate the increasingly financial gains in exploiting the untapped wealth of coastal tourism: it is increasingly an area of interest whose potential lies hugely unexploited in Nigeria. Lagos, its former capital, is one of Nigeria’s coastal cities. Water-based sites in the city are largely neglected or grossly under-utilized thereby wasting their natural recreational potentials. This research seeks to examine the existing water tourism destinations, identify the problems causing lack of popularity, and subsequently proffer solutions enabling policy makers in government and private sector plan better. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and interviews from sixty randomly selected users and industry practitioners in Tarzan Jetty, Ozumba Mbadiwe Waterfront, Bar Beach Harbour and the Marina Waterfront. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean item score. Result of the survey showed that all the four water-based tourist destinations experience lack of infrastructure, most especially functional ferries or other water transport, piers, canoes and boats for pleasure rides and sightseeing, properly designed areas for relaxation and passive leisure, lack of security and non availability of restaurants, shopping facilities and conveniences. The provision of these infrastructures will definitely improve the current state of coastal tourism in Lagos.