On Friday, September 11, 2026, Ziba, Nigeria's first over-water resort, unveiled Phase 3 of its Lagos development. The expansion adds larger Grand Overwater Rooms, the first loft-style overwater stays in Nigeria, and a dedicated wellness centre.
Tricia Olumide, Managing Director and CEO of Ziba, announced the news at the launch. "Nigeria's first over-water resort just got bigger," she said. "Today is a milestone. We're taking the over-water experience we pioneered to a whole new level with larger Grand Overwater Rooms, the first-ever loft-style overwater stays in Nigeria, and a dedicated wellness centre. This is about proving that world-class luxury escapes don't have to mean leaving Nigeria."
Olumide addressed the early doubts about the project. "When we started Ziba, people asked if an over-water resort could work in Lagos. We believed it could. Lagos deserves destinations that match its energy and ambition. We're not importing a concept. We're building a Nigerian luxury story."
The new Grand Overwater Rooms offer larger spaces and wider views, designed for couples, families, and guests who want to wake up over the water. The loft-style stays introduce double-height ceilings over the water, a first for Nigeria. The wellness centre includes spa, recovery, and quiet spaces built for how Nigerians rest and recharge.
The launch drew government officials, business leaders, and entertainment figures. Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture for Lagos State, attended. So did Dr. Kennedy "Ned" Okonkwo, the real estate entrepreneur and billionaire, leadership expert Fela Durotoye, and Funke Bucknor, founder of Zapphire Events.
Benson-Awoyinka praised the investment. "Ziba is exactly the kind of investment Lagos needs. It shows what is possible when vision meets execution," she said. "Lagos deserves destinations that match its energy and ambition. With Phase 3, Ziba is creating jobs, training hospitality talent, and showing investors that Nigeria can lead in experiential tourism. We want Nigerians to holiday at home first, and we want the world to come see what we're building here. Lagos is ready."
Okonkwo spoke about the economic impact. "Ziba is more than a resort. It's jobs, it's training, and it's proof that we can build world-class experiences right here at home," he said. "When we started this journey, people doubted an over-water resort in Lagos. Today, Phase 3 answers them. If you've dreamed of waking up over the water, you don't have to fly 8 hours anymore. Ziba brings that dream 30 minutes from Lagos."
The event closed with a live performance by The Loud Choir, who played at the resort as part of the unveiling.
Ziba sits on the water in Lagos, roughly 30 minutes from the city centre. The resort combines design, Nigerian hospitality, and wellness across its over-water accommodations. Phase 3 is the latest step in its expansion since opening as Nigeria's first over-water resort.
According to Pulse.ng.
