Badagry’s #SuntanBeach has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitors from the Christmas period through the New Year celebrations of 2026 as it has been over the years reinforcing its growing status as one of the most vibrant tourism destinations along the Lagos coastline.

Community observer and stakeholder, Mukaila Oluwafemi (HMO), who visited the beach during the period, described the sustained influx of visitors as a clear signal of the beach’s untapped economic and cultural potential.

According to him, the large turnout, which extended beyond the festive season into early January, reflects increasing public interest in Badagry as a leisure and cultural hub.

Oluwafemi noted that with proper planning and investment, Suntan Beach could evolve into a year-round entertainment and tourism centre, hosting regular cultural shows, music performances and recreational activities that would promote indigenous talents, including local juju and traditional musicians. He said such initiatives could significantly boost local creative industries while attracting visitors from within and outside Lagos State.

He called for urgent development and standardisation of the beach facilities, including modern children’s playgrounds, outdoor gym centres, improved security architecture and coordinated safety presence involving the Nigeria Police and local vigilante groups to guarantee the safety of tourists and residents alike.

Commending the Federal Government for the ongoing Lagos–Badagry Expressway project, Oluwafemi described the improved road access as a major contributor to the recent increase in visitors. He expressed optimism that traffic to Suntan Beach would rise further during the Easter period, especially with the planned street lighting from Agbara to Seme.

However, he appealed to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently rehabilitate the Seme Border highway stretch between Gbaji Bridge and Seme Border as an interim measure pending full reconstruction.

Oluwafemi also urged the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Yemiren #Rikay, to consider setting up a Special Committee dedicated to the renovation and long-term development of Suntan Beach. He said such a committee should be empowered to design innovative strategies that would reposition the beach as a sustainable economic asset for the local government and the wider Badagry axis.

According to him, transparent restructuring of gate fee collections and professional management of the facility would significantly improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which could then be reinvested in road infrastructure, potable water supply and other essential social amenities, while also creating employment opportunities for local youths.

While appreciating the recent upgrade of the Police Station at Suntan Beach by the local government, he identified the need for improved car park infrastructure, particularly behind the Suntan Beach Hall, to accommodate the growing number of vehicles visiting the area.

He further proposed the leasing of designated beachfront land for one or two internationally managed five-star hotels, with rental income paid directly into the local government’s account. He explained that such investments would promote 24-hour tourism activities, improve shoreline management, reduce environmental degradation from salt exposure and encourage the development of additional government-owned standard hotels under a dedicated Beach Directorate.

Oluwafemi also highlighted the value of introducing family-friendly facilities such as children’s libraries, cycling tracks, landscaped gardens and leisure spaces to strengthen the beach’s profile as both a recreational and educational destination.

Calling for wider institutional support, he appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture chaired by Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, and the Ministry of Tourism led by Commissioner Idris Aregbe, to support shoreline protection efforts, including the provision of beach stones, as done in other parts of the state.

He stressed that employing more professional divers and safety personnel would further enhance visitor confidence and elevate Suntan Beach to national and international standards.

Oluwafemi commended the management of Suntan Beach, including the Director, Hon. Wheto Meshack, the Assistant Director, Mr. Gbenu N.A, and all staff members for maintaining order and safety during the festive rush, noting that no casualties were recorded despite the massive turnout. He also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions and rites in preserving the cultural and spiritual balance of the beachfront environment.