The Lagos State Tourism Promotion Bill, 2018, scaled the second reading in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill, sponsored by nine lawmakers, is to provide for the establishment of the Lagos State Tourism Promotion Agency and for Connected Purposes.

The sponsors include: Mr Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader; Mr Olumuyiwa Jimoh, the Deputy Majority Leader; Mr Elliot Desmond, Chairman, House Committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism and Mr Fatai Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun II).

Others are: Mr Nurudeen Solaja-Saka (Ikorodu II); Mr Oladele Adekanye (Lagos Mainland I); Mr Victor AKande (Ojo I); Mr Jude Idimogu (Oshodi Isolo II) and Mr Sola Giwa (Lagos Island II).

Lawmakers who spoke on the bill, said it would make things better in the state, if passed into law.

Mr Tunde Braimoh, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, in his contribution, said that arts and culture were integral parts of tourism.

According to him, development of tourism will bring exponential development to the state.

“Lagos State, no doubt, is gifted with many natural and topographical attributes to attract the world.

“When many African nations like Kenya, Tanzania and others are making huge revenues from tourism, what will Lagos give as an excuse with our natural beauties, aesthetics and endowments?

“We need to be creative, steadfast and determined in tapping into these non-oil revenues. This bill should be given an accelerated passage,” he said.

Mr Fatai Mojeed, Chairman, House Committee Transport, said the bill was aimed at not only showcasing the state’s rich culture, but also creating more employment and revenue.

Also speaking, Mr Setonji David, representing Badagry II in the Assembly said: This bill is apt as the highest of employer of labour in the world is tourism, and some countries live on tourism alone.

“The tourist potential in Lagos is enormous. It is extremely good for our economy in Lagos State.”

Mr Ibrahim Layode, representing Badagry Constituency I in the Assembly, however, said that most of the historic structures had been demolished and some were not well taken care of.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Olumuyiwa Jimoh, called for a section on safety in the bill, saying an average tourist would want to know about safety.

In his ruling, the Speaker of House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, commended the bill, but expressed reservation on an area.

“I think I have a reservation on this issue; I agree that we need to promote Lagos State and source for more revenue, and make Lagos State attractive to foreigners.

“We should learn not to put the cart before the horse.

“I think we should be able to articulate and integrate what have. We have fiesta, Lagos carnival and traditional heritages, but how have we been able to arrange them and link them?

“How do we promote and showcase our arts and culture for tourism when we have not put all these things together? We need to upgrade what we have before selling them,” he said.

The House committed the bill to its ad hoc committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism for further deliberation.

The committee has two weeks to report back to the house.

NAN reports that the House also read for the first time, the Lagos State Mental Health Bill 2018, and High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2018. (NAN,)

– Apr. 16, 2018 @ 18:32 GMT