The Lagos State Government reported 18,273 international tourist arrivals in 2024, an increase from 16,798 in 2023 and 14,357 in 2022.

The figures were disclosed on Tuesday in Ikeja during a Public Policy Engagement Session with ministries and agencies from the entertainment and tourism sectors, according to NAN.

The session was organised by the Policy Analysis, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department under the Cabinet Office.

The government also reiterated its target of boosting tourism revenue to $5.1 billion by 2040, as set out in the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan (2020–2040).

At the session, Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin stated that the engagement was intended to review progress in advancing the state’s entertainment and tourism initiatives.

She was represented by Kehinde Gbajumo, Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office.

“This was made known on Tuesday in Ikeja, during the Public Policy Engagement Session with Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Entertainment and Tourism. The event was organised by the Policy Analysis Monitoring and Evaluation Department, OSSG-Cabinet Office.

“The figure showed an increase from the 14,357 foreign tourists in 2022 and 16,798 international tourist visitors in 2023,” the NAN report read in part.

Providing further insights, the Head of the Policy Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation Department,
Oladele Oyatope, said the session focused on the fifth pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which highlights entertainment and tourism.

He noted that the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan and Policy document are crucial tools for tracking sector progress, establishing benchmarks for visitor numbers, revenue, and overall performance.

Oyatope added that Lagos needs to strengthen branding, advocacy, and destination marketing to boost global visibility and attract more international tourists.

Oyatope further noted that his department plays a key role in gathering and analysing data from various ministries and agencies to assess the impact of government initiatives, especially those supporting tourism growth, cultural promotion, and the development of the creative industry.

Data from the Lagos State Detty December 2024/2025 Report indicated that the December 2024 festive season—which draws large numbers of domestic and international tourists—generated approximately $71.6 million in tourism-related revenue.