A community development advocate, Mr. Sewanu J. Isaac, has called on the leadership of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to prioritise the revival of Suntan Beach through public-sector collaboration rather than outright privatisation.

In a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim #Yemiren (Rikay), Sewanu emphasised that while the ongoing construction of a new Local Government Secretariat enhances administrative capacity, it does not significantly improve the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He argued that #SuntanBeach, described as a historic and cultural asset within the Badagry axis, has the potential to generate sustainable income, create employment opportunities, and stimulate tourism-driven economic growth if properly rebuilt and managed.

According to Sewanu, reviving the beach would require substantial capital investment. However, he proposed a joint development model involving #BadagryWest LCDA, #Badagry Local Government, and #Olorunda LCDA, subject to the provisions of Lagos State local government laws.

Under such an arrangement, the councils could jointly fund, manage, and share revenues generated from the beach through a clearly defined and legally documented partnership framework.

He referenced reports indicating that Suntan Beach generated approximately ₦25 million in 2025, noting that the figure could increase significantly if the facility were redeveloped to modern standards. He suggested that with improved infrastructure, the beach could generate far higher monthly returns rather than annual earnings.

He further advised that, where inter-local government collaboration is legally permissible, Badagry West LCDA should take the lead by initiating discussions and setting up a non-partisan committee of professionals to drive negotiations.

Alternatively, he recommended that the council consider allocating a fixed monthly portion of its statutory allocation towards the phased redevelopment of the beach.

Among the facilities proposed for phased development are accommodation units, water and leisure parks, children’s play areas, food courts, well-structured car parks, improved lighting for security, recreational cycling tracks, and designated spaces for indigenous and modern games.

The community advocate noted that while private investors could later be encouraged to manage and expand certain facilities, government intervention remains crucial at the foundational stage to provide infrastructure, security, and confidence for investors.

Sewanu concluded by urging local councils across the Badagry axis to set aside political differences and collaborate in reviving Suntan Beach, describing it as a strategic move capable of enhancing tourism, increasing revenue, and promoting long-term economic development in Badagry West and neighbouring communities.