Lagos: Detty December, a phrase coined to describe the festive and celebratory atmosphere that characterises the month of December in Nigeria, indicates the high volume of excitement and merriment associated with the last month of the year in Africa’s most populated country. Like in many other matters, Lagos State takes the lead in Detty December. The 2024 edition was remarkable, with millions of dollars generated across tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors in Lagos State. This significant economic boost has sparked enthusiasm among stakeholders in the tourism industry, who are now seeking strategies to ensure sustainability of Detty December.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, sustainability is crucial to maximising the economic benefits of Detty December and increasing its contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product. Ikechi Uko, the organiser of AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, emphasises the importance of adequate planning in making Detty December sustainable in Lagos and across Nigeria. Uko states that with adequate planning, Detty December can be made sustainable and more beneficial not only to the tourism industry but also to local communities and the environment. He urges that tourism bureaux, ministries, associations, and other stakeholders should be involved in the planning process and advises that a calendar of tourism events should be developed to enhance sustainability.
Mr Dayo Adedayo, an independent documentary photographer and cultural anthropologist, believes that the sustainability of Detty December hinges on the ability of citizens to recognise and seize opportunities. He also highlights the role of government in ensuring improved security and investing in infrastructure to facilitate seamless immigration and customs processes. Adedayo suggests that granting visa-free entry to Africans and people from the Caribbean could position Nigeria as a prime destination for global Black tourism, and advises that event organisers should focus on world-class event planning and safety.
Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), expresses the association’s willingness to partner with Lagos State Government to explore ways to make Detty December sustainable. Mustapha indicates that the association is ready to showcase its expertise in tour packaging to generate more revenue and suggests introducing more entertaining activities, such as daily city tours and roadshows, to market Lagos State and Nigeria.
According to Mustapha, NATOP experienced an 80 percent increase in sales during the 2024 Detty December compared to the previous year, and she commends the Lagos State Government for the successful edition. However, she notes that there is always room for improvement and emphasizes the importance of partnering with international tour operators to attract more tourists to Nigeria.
Mr Ganiu Balogun highlights that improved security is a major factor in making Detty December sustainable. He observed that security concerns affected the willingness of some people to visit certain places during the celebration, though he was pleased to note a significant use of water transport by tourists.
Analysts call for collective efforts to sustain Detty December as a strategy to transform Nigeria into a global tourism powerhouse.