The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has commissioned the Nautica Beach Resort in Lekki, describing the facility as a bold investment and a strong statement of confidence in the future of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Commissioner noted that the occasion represented much more than the opening of a new leisure destination.
According to her, it demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector innovation aligns with the government’s vision of driving economic growth through tourism development.
She emphasised that tourism has evolved beyond recreation and leisure, becoming a significant contributor to economic development through job creation, investment attraction, and the stimulation of related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, arts, and culture.
“Tourism is no longer just about leisure; it is a powerful economic driver. It creates jobs, stimulates small businesses, and supports hospitality, entertainment, arts, culture, and transportation. Destinations like Nautica Beach Resort help us unlock these opportunities,” she stated.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka commended the Chairman, management, investors, and partners of Nautica Beach Resort for their vision, courage, and confidence in the immense tourism potential of Lagos State, particularly its coastal assets.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to creating an enabling environment for responsible investments that enhance visitor experiences, generate employment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The Commissioner further observed that beyond the resort itself, the broader Nautica vision presents an integrated ecosystem of hospitality, marine recreation, entertainment, events, and lifestyle experiences capable of becoming a major tourism and economic asset for Lagos and Nigeria.
Declaring the facility open to the public, she said: “It is an honour and privilege to officially commission Nautica Beach Resort. May it prosper, create opportunities, attract visitors from around the world, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our tourism economy.”
She added that Nautica Beach Resort serves as proof that Nigeria possesses the capacity to develop world-class tourism destinations capable of competing favourably on the global stage.
In his remarks, the Founder and Chairman of Nautica Beach Resort, Dr. Adetoro Bank-Omotoye, described the project as the fulfilment of a vision that many once considered too ambitious to achieve.
According to him, the resort was conceived as part of a broader ecosystem where tourism, hospitality, entertainment, investment, culture, business, and lifestyle seamlessly converge to create a unique destination experience.
“Nautica is visible proof that vision, when pursued with discipline, determination, and persistence, can become reality,” he said.
Dr. Bank-Omotoye explained that the desire to create a destination where people can live, connect, celebrate, relax, invest, and thrive inspired the development of the Nautica Ecosystem, which is gradually taking shape in Lagos State.
He expressed appreciation to government agencies and partners for fostering the public-private collaboration that made the project possible, noting that such partnerships remain one of the most effective tools for national development.
“When the government creates an enabling environment, private enterprises can invest with vision and integrity, leading to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
The Nautica Chairman also called on Nigerians in the diaspora and prospective investors to take advantage of the opportunities available within the resort and its expanding ecosystem, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and real estate development, to further strengthen the sector and contribute to economic growth.
