Detty December
OpenLife Nigeria reports that Mr. Gbenga Onitilo, Managing Director of Travelden, a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings Ltd, has identified a major threat to Detty December, Nigeria’s annual end of year revelry.
Apparently, Detty December has kicked off on a high note with hotels across strategic parts of Lagos fully booked and major event tickets selling out rapidly.
This year’s festivities coming amid biting economic hardship appear to be every bit as vibrant as in previous years as fun seekers returnees and nightlife lovers flood the city for concerts festivals and end of year parties.
Most hotels across Victoria Island, Oniru, Lekki Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Maryland, Ilupeju, Ajao Estate have no rooms available for guests as booking slots have been completely taken up.
Speaking on the preparations, Onitilo warned that overpricing has emerged a major threaten to Detty December, saying hotels, apartments and event tickets are now being charged in foreign exchange.
Onitilo lamented the exorbitant pricing, saying it was forcing many people to seek cheaper alternatives in other African countries such as Ghana and Rwanda.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, he urged government to introduce regulations and work with industry players to ensure a better Detty December experience for visitors, especially those coming from the diaspora.
He said: “What has happened this year is that a lot of people prepared and started putting things in place. However, what we have witnessed so far is pricing being taken out of order.
“We are seeing bars, restaurants and even hotels charging three times their normal rates. The pricing of show tickets is far above what is reasonable, and this is affecting affordability even for those coming in.
“They are now pricing based on forex, not based on our economic realities. This is pushing people to consider travelling to other countries instead.
“For this year’s Detty December, one of the major challenges we have seen is overpricing. Hotels and apartments, including those with available rooms, have increased their prices by as much as six times because they are targeting visitors who will spend foreign currency. I think it is something government needs to look into,” he requested.
Detty December has evolved over the past decade from a social and cultural buzzword into one of Nigeria’s most significant seasonal celebrations.
The term broadly refers to the frenetic period from mid December through early January when Nigerians, especially those living abroad return home to reunite with family attend parties and participate in a calendar of concerts street festivals fashion shows food and cultural exhibitions.
These, transform Lagos into a buzzing global destination for end of year tourism and entertainment.
Over the years Detty December has attracted both local and international attention not only for its entertainment value but for the substantial economic boost it delivers.
In 2024 the Lagos State Government reported that the city generated over $71.6 million in revenue from tourism hospitality and entertainment during the Detty December season. Hotels alone contributed more than $44 million to that total with short let apartments nightlife and other sectors also adding significantly to the earnings.
Last year’s influx saw an estimated 1.2 million visitors come through the city including large numbers of diasporans and international tourists underscoring Lagos’s status as a cultural and economic hub.
The economic impact of Detty December from hotel stays and event spending to nightlife transport and local business sales has not only been a boon for the Lagos economy but has also helped raise Nigeria’s profile on the global cultural calendar drawing comparisons with other major year end festivals and enhancing the country’s tourism brand.
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