In a landmark move poised to position Lagos as a global hub for diaspora tourism, the Lagos State Government has commenced construction of the Door of Return Tower in Badagry. The symbolic structure, rising on the historical shores of Badagry, is envisioned as a gateway of welcome, healing, and reconnection for the descendants of enslaved Africans around the world.
Announced on Monday by Hon. Bonu Solomon, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture and representative of Badagry Constituency 1, the project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s engagement with its diaspora. According to Solomon, the tower is not just another monument—it is a “transformative landmark” that will “draw global attention” and establish Badagry as a premier destination for heritage and memory tourism.
“The Door of Return Tower carries deep symbolic weight,” Solomon emphasized in his statement from Badagry. “Unlike the ‘Doors of No Return’ in Ouidah, Benin Republic, and Gorée Island, Senegal, which mark tragic departures, the Door of Return represents welcome, reconciliation, and homecoming.”
The tower is being erected at the High Chief Mobee Waterside in Boekoh Quarters, adjacent to the historic First Storey Building in Nigeria. This is a location of both spiritual and historical resonance—near the infamous Point of No Return in Gberefu, from where thousands of Africans were forcibly taken across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade.
This architectural and cultural project seeks to flip the narrative of dislocation and loss into one of reunion and resilience. By anchoring the project in a place historically tied to departure and sorrow, Lagos State is reframing Badagry’s legacy to emphasize hope, return, and reintegration.
With diaspora tourism gaining global momentum, particularly among African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Brazilians seeking to trace their roots, the Door of Return Tower aligns with wider Pan-African movements and the “Year of Return” initiatives launched in countries like Ghana. However, this project offers a uniquely Nigerian perspective, positioning Lagos—Africa’s cultural megacity—as a focal point for reconnection.
Hon. Solomon applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for greenlighting the initiative, which reflects the state’s strategic investment in cultural heritage infrastructure and international diaspora engagement. “This is exciting news for Badagry, for Lagos, and for the entire African diaspora,” Solomon said. “The tower will not only tell our stories but also serve as a place of remembrance, pilgrimage, and celebration.”
In recent years, the Lagos State Government has increasingly prioritized tourism as a key sector for economic growth and cultural diplomacy. The Door of Return initiative, which has been commemorated through annual events since 2017, has featured symbolic returns of African descendants from across the globe. The new tower, once completed, will become a permanent edifice to anchor these ceremonies and create year-round cultural programming.
Set against the backdrop of palm-fringed beaches and ancient pathways, the tower is anticipated to attract global visitors, cultural enthusiasts, historians, spiritual pilgrims, and diaspora families looking to connect with their roots. It promises to serve as a convergence point for festivals, art exhibitions, educational tours, and spiritual retreats—strengthening both the local economy and the region’s global relevance.
Beyond tourism, the Door of Return Tower is also a call to collective healing. It invites not only descendants of the enslaved but also Africans at home to reflect on a shared past and a hopeful future built on unity, memory, and pride.
As construction gets underway, anticipation builds—not just for the physical unveiling of the tower, but for what it represents: a long-overdue embrace for the African diaspora. Through this initiative, Lagos is making a bold statement—that Africa remembers, welcomes, and celebrates her returning sons and daughters.
When completed, the Door of Return Tower will stand not just as a structure, but as a symbol of Africa’s enduring spirit, hospitality, and readiness to reclaim and celebrate its global family.
