The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the rich historical heritage of Badagry and developing world-class tourism infrastructure following an inspection of the ongoing Badagry Development Project Phase I at Gberefu Island.
The inspection exercise was led by the Director of the Monuments Management Department, Mr. Ibrahim Ladejobi, alongside representatives from the Office of Works and Infrastructure. The team visited key historical sites, including the Slave Route, the Attenuation Well, and the iconic Point of No Return, to assess the progress of work and ensure compliance with approved project specifications.
The Gberefu Island Heritage Project is a strategic initiative of the Lagos State Government aimed at preserving the historical significance of the transatlantic slave trade while enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving accessibility, enriching visitor experience, and creating supporting facilities capable of attracting both local and international tourists.
During the inspection, the team observed significant progress across various project components designed to improve the site’s historical, cultural, and tourism value.
A major component of the project is the construction of a 1.5-kilometre access walkway, complete with seating areas on both sides. Upon completion, the walkway will accommodate pedestrians, tourist carts, and tricycles, thereby improving accessibility to key heritage sites within the Island.
The inspection team also assessed the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Attenuation Well and its adjoining relaxation area. While structural works have advanced considerably, finishing and aesthetic enhancements are still underway.
At the renowned ‘Point of No Return’, a symbolic landmark in the history of the transatlantic slave trade, major rehabilitation works are ongoing on the elevated viewing platform designed to provide visitors with an immersive and reflective historical experience overlooking the Atlantic coastline.
Additional infrastructure under construction includes the installation of galvanised poles fitted with 500-watt solar-powered streetlights, a restaurant and service building, a canopy theatre, modern restroom facilities, recreational spaces, and the procurement of tourist carts to support mobility and visitor comfort.
The inspection team noted that construction personnel were actively engaged on-site and expressed satisfaction with the steady pace of work. Recommendations were also made to ensure long-term sustainability of the facilities, including continuous monitoring and maintenance measures to prevent corrosion and the use of sharp sand instead of black soil beneath the interlocking pavement to enhance durability.
Speaking after the inspection, the team emphasised that the project represents a significant investment by the Lagos State Government in heritage conservation, tourism development, and economic growth.
Upon completion, the Slave Route and Point of No Return Project at Gberefu Island is expected to emerge as one of Nigeria’s foremost heritage tourism destinations, attracting scholars, researchers, tourists, and descendants of the African diaspora from across the world.
Members of the inspection team included Mrs. Folasade Jide-Oyesola, Deputy Director, Monuments and Heritage Management Department; Mr. Waheed Abatan, Tourism Officer II; Mr. Cornelius Ibiyemi, Chief Tourist Guide, and Mr. Oluwatobi Badejo, Intern.
Representatives from the Office of Works and Infrastructure included Arc. Yakub Babatunde, Deputy Director; Arc. Omotosho A. O., Principal Architect; Mr. Amos Olude, Quantity Surveyor; Engr. Ojo Adekunle Ayuba of PR&D Services; Engr. Mayowa Ageshinmolu of Electrical Services, and Engr. Hammed B. Junaid of Mechanical Services.
Also present during the inspection were representatives of the project contractor, Messrs. Sageto Limited, including Quantity Surveyor, Mr. Adejoh Oshaba, and Head of Operations, Mr. Hussein Salloum.
Community stakeholders who participated in the inspection included the Baale of Gberefu Island, Chief Samson S. Hungbo; Community Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Sokenu, and the Youth President, Mr. Jimoh S. Salako, all of whom commended the Lagos State Government for its commitment to preserving the island’s historical heritage and promoting tourism-driven development in the community.
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