Key facts
- Beach access in Lagos, Nigeria, has become significantly more expensive due to privatization.
- Entry fees for beaches now range from 2,000 naira ($1.50) to 60,000 naira ($44).
- The Lagos state government has licensed much of the coastline to private entities.
- This privatization is part of the government's 'megacity' development strategy aimed at attracting tourism and business.
- Residents criticize the monetization of public spaces, stating a desire for free access to nature.
Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria, once accessible public spaces, are becoming increasingly expensive for residents due to privatization and commercialization. Mukthar Oladunmade, a 27-year-old writer, noted that a typical beach visit now costs around 25,000 naira ($18), a sum beyond the reach of many Lagos residents, where the majority work in the informal sector and the monthly minimum wage is 77,000 naira ($56).
Much of the city's 180-kilometer coastline is being privatized by the government or by families with ancestral land claims. The Lagos state government has licensed these areas to individuals or businesses, leading to steep prices for entry, chairs, food, and drinks. This trend is part of the government's 'megacity' drive, which aims to attract international business and tourism, generating significant revenue for the state, which recorded 2.6 trillion naira ($1.9 billion) in internal revenues in 2025.
However, this approach is criticized for prioritizing profit over public access and the needs of lower and middle-class residents. Olamide Udoma-Ejorh, director of the Lagos Urban Development Initiative, stated that the government's focus is on making money rather than serving the people. Officials have previously argued that privatization leads to cleaner and safer beaches.
Residents like Esther Sorkpor, a university student, express frustration, feeling they should have free access to nature. The monetization of public spaces is seen as a reflection of the country's high-tension environment. Analysts suggest a review of how public spaces are managed, emphasizing that beaches should be considered civic assets.