HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION OF BEACH TOURISM IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: CURRENT REALITIES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

Research Problem: Beach tourism in Lagos, Nigeria, has shifted from open public commons to privatized, state-controlled spaces. Historical coastal erosion, state violence, and large-scale urban development projects such as the Eko Atlantic City have reshaped the shoreline, raising concerns about social exclusion, environmental risks, and the long-term sustainability of beach tourism. Methods/Theory: The study adopts a multi-theoretical framework integrating the Tragedy of the Commons, Commodification of Space, and Political Ecology to examine the socio-political dynamics of Lagos’s coastline. It employs a synthesis of empirical studies and secondary data to explore historical, environmental, and economic processes influencing beach tourism. Results: Findings reveal that state-led interventions, including beach privatization and the Eko Atlantic City project, have created a contested shoreline. While these measures provide coastal protection and premium amenities for select groups, they simultaneously exacerbate social exclusion, displace local communities, and redistribute environmental risks to marginalized populations. Conclusion: The trajectory of beach tourism development in Lagos prioritizes entrepreneurial urban development and capital accumulation over community interests, thereby undermining long-term resilience and equitable access to coastal resources. Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study reframes Lagos’s beach tourism evolution as a socio-political process rather than a purely environmental or economic phenomenon. It demonstrates how urban development and tourism intersect with climate justice and social equity on Africa’s coast. Recommendation: The paper advocates for a paradigm shift towards inclusive governance of beach tourism in Lagos. This includes mandating free public beaches, integrating nature-based coastal protection strategies, and centering community livelihoods and participation in planning and decision-making to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes.