Now Is The Time To Upgrade Suntan Beach Towards Unlock Badagry’s Tourism Goldmine

A visit to Suntan Beach in Badagry, Lagos, during the festive period gave our correspondent, Roland Ekama, an opportunity to highlight the need for stakeholders to invest in and upgrade the obsolete facilities.

A hidden treasure is begging for facelift as Badagry’s Suntan Beach emerged as a festive hotspot over the recent holidays, pulling crowds to its golden sands for events and relaxation. witnessing the surge firsthand, with community leaders praising the turnout as evidence of the site’s untapped economic and cultural power, the Lagos State government can create wealth vis a vis boost Internally Generated Revenue IGR through the tourist attraction.

Yet, beneath the buzz lurks a stark reality: crumbling infrastructure that’s holding this “secret treasure” back.dilapidated chalets, rickety benches, and scattered seats fail to match the beach’s promise.

“These seats can’t handle the crowds,” lamented one visitor, calling for sturdy, shaded replacements. With the Lagos-Badagry Expressway upgrades and the upcoming deep seaport boosting accessibility, Suntan has prime potential to spotlight Lagos’s western region, especially in low-population communities craving jobs and growth.

Priority upgrades to compete nationally, stakeholders, including Lagos State Government and tourism bodies, must act swiftly the beach attainment of international status.

Top recommendations observers described include:Benches overhaul: Installment of weatherproof units from treated hardwood or aluminum, seating 4-6 each. Cluster them in shaded pavilions with thatched roofs and USB ports along the shoreline and near Suntan Beach Hall.Parking expansion:

Pave about 200 marked spaces behind the Beach Hall, with boom barriers and 24/7 CCTV. Add 5 playgrounds with swings, slides, and rubber flooring; 10-station outdoor gyms with lighting; plus family libraries and bike tracks.Security and attractions: Deploy 20 police/vigilante patrols, lifeguard towers with divers, a nightclub, and DJ booth to draw daily crowds.

Badagry West LCDA Chair Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Yemiren (#Rikay) should spearhead a special committee, that will engage the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other institutions to as part of efforts to create awareness of the potentials embedded in the beach.

The Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu should be advised for shoreline protection, road stones, and tourism investment vis a vis leasing spots for five-star hotels to spike IGR and employment year-round powerhouse potential

These fixes would extend visitor stays, host music festivals, sports, and games, and fund youth jobs via gate fees.

As Valentine and Easter approach, alongside police station improvements, Suntan Beach isn’t just a local spot—it’s poised to rival Nigeria’s best with the right push from Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Tourism Commissioner.