In 2023, Badagry was projected as Nigeria’s emerging centre for Christian pilgrimage, anchored on its unique historical claim as the site of the country’s first Christmas celebration and the entry point of Christianity into Nigeria.

That vision was articulated during the #ChristmasInBadagry (CiB) 2.0 briefing, when organisers announced the town’s 181st Christmas commemoration, a milestone unmatched elsewhere in the country.

At the time, the project manager of Christmas in Badagry, Mr Olufemi #Iroko , argued that global disruptions — particularly the Hamas–Israel conflict — had stalled Christian pilgrimage to the Middle East, positioning Badagry as a viable local alternative for Nigerian Christians seeking spiritual reconnection.

However, as political and civic debates emerge from Badagry in 2026, questions are being raised about whether that vision has been sustained beyond announcements and celebrations.

Recent public commentary from Badagry stakeholders has reignited discussions around leadership accountability, community development, and follow-through on promised transformation. While these debates are political in nature, they also intersect with a broader concern: whether Badagry’s historic and spiritual relevance has translated into measurable progress, infrastructure development, and lasting tourism growth since the 2023 declarations.

Badagry’s credentials remain undisputed. It is home to Nigeria’s first storey building, first primary school, and the location where Christmas was first celebrated in the country. In 2023, organisers projected attendance of over 20,000 visitors, promising economic benefits for Lagos State and sustained global visibility for the town.

Yet, in 2026, residents and observers are increasingly asking whether the momentum generated by the 181st Christmas celebration has been institutionalised. Has Badagry been formally integrated into Nigeria’s religious tourism framework? Have pilgrimage pathways, heritage preservation, and community benefits been strengthened? Or has the vision remained largely symbolic?

Christmas in Badagry was described as a beacon of unity, resilience, and cultural pride, featuring large-scale events, community outreach, and collaboration with Lagos State ministries. But three years on, the central question persists: is Badagry still being actively positioned as Nigeria’s Christian pilgrimage destination, or has the initiative stalled amid political and administrative distractions?

As 2026 unfolds, Badagry’s story sits at a crossroads between historic promise and present accountability. The town’s legacy is intact; what remains under scrutiny is whether the ambitions announced in 2023 have evolved into enduring structures that justify its continued description as a national pilgrimage hub.

For many in Badagry, the issue is no longer about history — it is about continuity, commitment, and delivery.