Over 30 checkpoints in Badagry hinder tourism and economic boom - LG boss complains
- The chairman of the Badagry local government area, Olusegun Onilude, has said that the multiple checkpoints on the Mile Two-Badagry Expressway is a hindrance to tourism
- Onilude said that in place of the many checkpoints, security must be improved so as to clear off the discouragement caused by several stops on the road
- He urged the public to partner with the local government so as to make the ancient city a hub for tourism and economic growth
Not less than 30 multiple checkpoints on the Mile Two/Badagry Expressway have continued to affect the growth of tourism in the Badagry area of Lagos state.
Olusegun Onilude, the chairman of Badagry local government area of Lagos state, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, March 13. He spoke on the sideline of the Badagry tourism stakeholders’ forum held at the Hunwaji apartment.
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He said that the checkpoints were being manned by officers and men of the Nigeria police, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the NDLEA, Port health, FRSC, and Man o’War Nigeria.
Onilude said: “Tourism is a gold mine to any country and Badagry is blessed with so many monuments. So, we are determined to transform the entire Badagry corridors to a regional economic hub in Africa.
“For tourism industry to thrive, we must ensure that our environments are clean and friendly to visitors just as security is also extremely important in this aspect.
“The numerous checkpoints on the expressway have a relative impediment on travel time and discourage tourists from coming to Badagry.
“We must enhance our security without discouraging legitimate travel to Badagry so the numerous checkpoints on the road must be reduced.”
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Onilude said the stakeholders’ forum was organised to find ways to improve tourism in the ancient city and to generate revenue for the local government. He also said: “Tourism is our biggest asset in Badagry and we are committed to making the sector vibrant so we are marketing our tourism potential at the global stage.
“The state government is transforming Badagry to a preferred tourism destination and our administration is working hard to compliment its efforts.” He urged the public to cooperate with the local government so as to make the ancient city a better place.
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The chairman of the Badagry tourism committee, Babatunde Ajose, had earlier given the assurance that the committee was determined to improve tourism in the ancient city. He urged investors to tap into the tourism potentials of the area by investing into the sector in Badagry.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that some hoodlums and destitute had hijacked the newly constructed rail terminals along the Lagos-Badagry expressway, using the facilities as a resting place by day and sometimes attacking passers-by at night.
Legit.ng gathered that the terminals, located at Mile 2 and Alaba-Suru, also served as home for street beggars at night.
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Source: Legit.ng
