Lawmakers in Lagos have called for full implementation of the state tourism law through the creation of a tourism agency as stipulated in a 2018 bill passed by the house of assembly.

The call followed a motion by the chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Fatai Oluwa, in commemoration of the 2022 World Tourism Day.

“The House of Assembly passed the Lagos State Tourism Agency Law, 2018 in order to develop and promote the state’s tourism potentials with the aim of enhancing revenue generation for the state, unfortunately, this law is yet to be implemented,” he said.

Mr Oluwa said that Lagos being the centre of excellence needs to do more in harnessing the tourism potentials of the state, adding that if a tourism agency was established, it would encourage local and international marketing of the state’s tourism facilities.

In his contribution, the deputy majority leader, Noheem Adams, urged the government to take advantage of the several lucrative tourist destinations found in the state.

Also speaking, Adewale Temitope said “since the House has passed a law to enhance tourism in the state, it becomes necessary to call on the commissioner and all relevant agencies to swing into action immediately in implementing the law.”

The lawmaker representing Ojo constituency I, Victor Akande, said if taken seriously, tourism would help create more internally generated revenue for the state.

Desmond Elliot, who also contributed, commended Lagos for currently building a film village. He, however, noted that the state had more to do in relation to the sector.

During the Tuesday plenary presided over by speaker of the house, Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmakers urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, to give attention to tourism in the state.

Following the debate, the House subsequently adopted the motion through a voice vote.