With the hustle and bustle of Lagos taking its toll on residents, Lagosians try to make the most of their free time. But the catch for many is the opportunity to unwind in a cost-effective manner, especially with the increasingly dire economic circumstances.
Uwaje Rachel, an accountant at a Lagos audit firm, values her leisure time. Tarkwa Bay beach is her preferred destination, offering relaxation and enjoyment.
“I choose Tarkwa Bay over other Lagos beaches because it’s accessible by boat, providing a fun start to the beach experience,” Uwaje shared with The Record.
Tarkwa Bay stands out as one of the most affordable public beaches in Lagos, with an entrance fee of N500 and hut prices ranging from N1500 to N5000. Its unique seclusion, accessible only by boat, sets it apart from other crowded beaches in Lagos.
Despite its appeal, Tarkwa Bay has faced complaints about boats stopping midway to the beach. A TikTok user, Rhindor, recalled a 20-minute halt during a journey in inclement conditions.
Statistics from relevant authorities indicate eight boat mishaps in Lagos between 2020 and 2021, primarily due to overloading, disregard for safety guidelines, and inadequate boat maintenance. In response, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) banned night boat operations to reduce mishaps.
“No one should board a vessel outside operational hours, and passengers must wear a life vest with standard buoyancy,” emphasized Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of LASWA.
According to a December 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), over 200 lives were lost in boat accidents in Nigerian states, excluding Lagos.
There are various jetty terminals in Lagos providing access to Tarkwa Bay. Fiki Marina in Victoria Island has water taxis, while CMS boat terminal is another option. On the Mainland, jetty points in Ikorodu facilitate boat trips.
Tarkwa Bay Beach offers diverse activities such as horse riding, surfing, overnight camping, beach volleyball, beach motorbike rides, and community sightseeing.
Unlike private beaches with food restrictions, Tarkwa Bay allows you to buy meals from kiosks or bring your own drinks and food.
Tarkwa Bay and its people
Tarkwa Bay is also a beach slum, housing several communities with many residents on the small beach island.
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♬ original sound – Ikeja Record
While Tarkwa Bay serves as a recreational haven for the general public and visitors like Uwaje, for Semako Nathaniel, who has spent his entire life there, the beach is not just a getaway but his home.
Semanko, a young teen, earns a living by selling sugar-coated groundnuts and cashews to tourists and beachgoers. He moved from a beach community in Badagry with his parents as a child, settling on Tarkwa Bay to make a livelihood.
“I completed my secondary education here. There used to be several schools until the military demolished houses in Tarkwa Bay,” he told our correspondent.
On January 21, 2020, the Nigerian Navy forcefully evacuated thousands of residents from various communities in Tarkwa Bay, demolishing their homes and leaving many homeless.
The Navy stated that the evacuation aimed to protect the national oil company’s equipment from oil thieves and vandals.
“We found at least 300 illegal spots and dug out pits where oil products were being tapped and sold illegally, even to neighbouring countries,” Navy Commander Thomas Otuji told CNN, emphasizing the danger of beach residents living near oil pipelines.
Mr. Harrison Dolor, also known as True Light, an artist and musician residing in the unaffected part of Tarkwa Bay, expressed concern about the Navy’s management of the beach.
“I think they spared our side of the beach community because they still need people to attend to beach visitors and generate income from the beach fee,” Dolor shared with The Record.
During our beach visit, we observed substantial piles of seaweed near the beach banks, giving the beach an unsanitary appearance.
Owokoniran Iswat, a Software Developer, expressed dissatisfaction with the beach’s cleanliness during the December festivities, questioning her willingness to return. Improvements in the beach’s management could significantly enhance Tarkwa Bay’s overall condition and appeal.
Amidst Tarkwa Bay’s narrative, we witness a tapestry woven with threads of leisure, livelihood, resilience, and challenges.
Uwaje Rachel finds solace in the rhythmic waves, while Semako Nathaniel carves a life amidst the sands; each grain tells a unique story.
Despite disruptions, Tarkwa Bay endures, its residents resiliently adapting to changes. In the face of challenges, the beach remains a canvas painted with the colours of diverse activities and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.
Whether it’s the thrill of horse riding, the crash of waves during surfing, or the tranquillity of overnight camping, Tarkwa Bay beckons with possibilities.