Serial entrepreneur and real estate developer Keji Giwa has unveiled “Eko Miami,” a large-scale coastal development concept aimed at transforming the Okunde Bluewater Tourism Zone into a globally competitive destination for tourism, investment, and luxury living.

‎‎The project, introduced by Giwa, founder of Digital Landlords, is positioned as a strategic reimagining of how Nigeria’s natural coastal assets can be developed into a unified ecosystem that combines high-end real estate, hospitality, and a lifestyle economy.

‎Inspired by Florida’s South Beach, the Eko Miami concept is designed not as a direct replica but as an adaptation tailored to the African context, bringing together beachfront residences, resorts, and entertainment districts within a single, integrated environment.

‎‎At the centre of the plan is the creation of a “destination economy,” where residents and visitors engage with a year-round mix of tourism, leisure, and commercial activity. The proposed development includes ocean-facing apartments, premium hospitality infrastructure, and lifestyle offerings intended to position Lagos as a continuous global attraction.

‎‎Architectural highlights of the project include developments such as The Carnelian, envisioned with expansive glass façades and 180-degree outdoor views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting a design approach focused on blending indoor living with the coastal environment.

‎The Okunde Bluewater axis, located near Eko Atlantic City and adjacent to the Coastal Road, is being identified as an emerging growth corridor within Lagos’ real estate market. Giwa’s proposal centres on developing the stretch into a concentrated district of premium assets, extending the city’s high-value coastal footprint.

‎The case for the project is supported by rising tourism demand in Lagos. During the 2024 “Detty December” period, the city recorded about 1.2 million visitors, generating more than ₦111 billion in tourism revenue. By 2025, participation increased to 3.6 million people, with total spending reaching nearly ₦396.54 billion, with diaspora visitors accounting for over 55 per cent of consumption.

‎Giwa said the Eko Miami concept is intended to convert this seasonal influx into a sustained economic cycle. “Nigeria has always had the raw ingredients, the coastline, the energy, and the diaspora interest,” he said. “Eko Miami is the blueprint for how we turn our natural assets into a multi-billion-dollar global brand city.” (Guardian)