The Lagos State Government has commissioned the newly completed Phase III of Ziba Beach Resort in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, reaffirming its commitment to tourism investment and private-sector participation in the State.
Eko Hot News reports that the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, commissioned the facility on Friday, September 11, 2026, describing the development as a reflection of Lagos’ resilience, creativity and investment potential.
The Commissioner commended the resort’s investors, Mrs. Tricia Olufemi and Mr. Femi Olufemi, for expanding their investment in Lagos and contributing to the State’s growing tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
Benson-Awoyinka said Ziba Beach Resort represents the enterprising spirit of Lagos, where people from different backgrounds come together to establish businesses and create opportunities.
She also highlighted the resilience and creativity of young Nigerians, noting that their entrepreneurial efforts continue to contribute to the development of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
According to the Commissioner, tourism should not depend solely on international visitors. She stressed the importance of creating destinations that residents and Nigerians can enjoy while generating economic value locally.
Benson-Awoyinka said local tourism could strengthen the domestic economy by encouraging Nigerians to explore destinations within the country and support businesses operating in the sector.
The Commissioner further described the continued expansion of the Ziba brand as evidence of investor confidence in Lagos and its tourism potential.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, she expressed optimism that the resort would continue to expand, noting that another phase, Ziba 4, was already being anticipated.
She also highlighted the benefits of the resort to its host community, particularly through employment, skills development and capacity building.
According to her, the construction and operation of the facility have created opportunities for residents to gain experience and employment in hospitality-related areas.
These areas include accommodation services, food and beverage operations, housekeeping and other activities connected to tourism and hospitality.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to supporting private-sector investments across tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the creative economy.
She said the State Government would continue to promote an enabling environment for investors as part of the broader T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that stronger collaboration between government and private investors was important for expanding tourism infrastructure and creating more opportunities for young people.
She added that such investments would contribute to strengthening Lagos’ position as a leading destination for leisure, business and entertainment in Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ziba Beach Resort, Mrs. Tricia Olufemi, described the commissioning of Phase III as an important milestone for the resort.
Olufemi disclosed that the latest development had expanded Ziba’s over-water accommodation experience with larger grand over-water rooms and loft-style accommodation.
She also revealed that the new phase includes a dedicated wellness centre designed to enhance the experience available to guests.
The Ziba executive said the development was driven by the belief that Nigerians should be able to enjoy high-quality hospitality and luxury experiences without travelling outside the country.
She recalled that the concept of an over-water resort initially generated questions about its feasibility in Lagos.
However, the investors remained committed to developing a destination that would reflect the energy, ambition and outlook of the city.
Olufemi said Ziba Phase III demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian creativity and hospitality to deliver experiences that meet international expectations.
Also speaking at the commissioning, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nedcomoaks Limited, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, described the resort as more than a leisure destination.
Okonkwo said the development was contributing to job creation, training and economic activity within its host community and the wider Lagos environment.
He noted that Ziba Beach Resort demonstrates how Nigerian entrepreneurs can develop competitive tourism products while keeping economic value within the domestic economy.
According to him, the resort is helping to broaden the perception of luxury tourism in Nigeria by providing an over-water hospitality experience accessible to residents and visitors to Lagos.
Ziba Beach Resort is recognised as an over-water resort in Lagos, offering accommodation, wellness, hospitality and leisure services within a distinctive waterfront setting.
The Phase III development further expands the resort’s facilities and strengthens its position within Lagos’ growing tourism and hospitality landscape.
The commissioning underscores the growing role of private investment in supporting tourism infrastructure across Lagos.
It also reflects the State Government’s continued focus on partnerships capable of creating employment, developing skills and promoting local tourism.
With further expansion planned, Ziba Beach Resort is expected to remain part of the evolving hospitality and leisure industry in Lagos.
The development adds to the range of tourism destinations available to residents and visitors while demonstrating the potential of locally driven investment in the State’s creative and hospitality economy.
