Thesaurus Bay, in partnership with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as part of efforts aimed at boosting Lagos blue economy recently held a Tour of Lagos Waterways to make participants appreciate the resources and facilities along the corridor of the state waters.

The Tour of Lagos Waterways 2026, which is the fifth edition, was an immersive celebration of Lagos beyond its roads, taking participants onto the city’s waterways to experience its culture, marine tourism, heritage and waterfront investment opportunities.

More than a boat tour, this year’s edition brought together business leaders, investors, real estate professionals, tourism stakeholders, marine-sector players, government representatives, professionals and adventure seekers for a unique day of exploration, networking and discovery.

From the Bics Garden to the natural and cultural attractions of Ito-Omu, and onward to Caribbean Lake City Estate, participants experienced Lagos as they have never seen it before and ended the trip in style at Bics Garden with a music loaded convivial setting.

The General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emanuel, said that the state government through LASWA supported the initiative because it is a good opportunity to help attract more people to appreciate Lagos waters which would boost investment in the sector.

He added that the initiative has been impressive reason LASWA has continued to support the organizers.

“This is what government exists for, to create the positive environment for private sector.” He was optimistic that if the tempo of the initiative continues, it will soon be on the tourism calendar of the state.

The Convener, Chairman of the Thesaurus Group of Companies, Bolaji Olasode, disclosed that the idea was to promote s Lagos waterways as an alternative transportation route and a major tourism hub.

He was optimistic that the development of marine tourism could reduce dependence on road transportation while creating jobs and supporting communities along the waterways.

He said: “Lagos has hidden tourism treasure that is yet to be annexed. We want to create a master plan on blue economy and strategically position marine tourism, whereby people can see the beauty of Lagos waterways and its environment.”

On his part, Group Chief Executive of Novarick Group and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Novarick Homes and Properties Ltd, Noah Ibrahim, said the annual tour was aimed at changing public perception of the waterways and encouraging more Nigerians to embrace water transportation.

Ibrahim said many Lagos residents still has phobia with travelling on water, but through annual tour it hopes to counter that and help residents the tourism, transportation and real estate opportunities around Lagos waterways.

Chief Executive Officer, Hierarchy Investments and Technology Ltd, Nnamdi Ijei, said the waterways had remained largely underutilised despite their importance to the economy and tourism potential of Lagos.

Ijei, developer and curator of Blissville Terraces, said the growing connection between real estate and water transportation could create new opportunities for residential developments, tourism and investment.