Lagos, the bustling commercial capital of Nigeria, has once again demonstrated its potential as a destination city by generating over $71.6 million in revenue during the 2024 ‘Detty December’ season. The impressive figures were announced by Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
According to the ‘Lagos State Detty December 2024/2025 Report,’ hotels alone accounted for over $44 million of the total revenue, while short-let apartments contributed an additional $13 million. This significant income underscores Lagos’ status as the tourism and entertainment hub of Africa. Mr. Aregbe emphasized, “Tourism remains a vital driver of economic growth and cultural preservation for Lagos State, with the ‘Ember a key role.”
The ‘Detty December’ season, now a popular end-of-year celebration, hosted a wide array of events and attracted massive crowds locally and internationally. The list of attractions included the Mrs. Universe Africa event, Greater Lagos Fiesta, music concerts, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, culinary events, Spotify Wrapped Concert, Lungu Boy Block Party, Rhythm Unplugged, Entertainment Week Lagos, Joeboy, The La Vida Experience, African Fashion Week, and Fashion Souk. These events drew locals, members of the Nigerian diaspora, fondly known as IJGBs (I Just Got Back), and international tourists eager to experience the vibrant culture of Lagos.
Beyond just the economic benefits, ‘Detty December’ has provided a platform to celebrate Nigerian arts, culture, and music on the global stage. Mr. Aregbe remarked, “From enterprising artisans in local markets to creative entrepreneurs shaping the entertainment and tourism sectors, the resilience and ingenuity of Lagos people lie at the heart of its success.” The diverse activities held during this period not only enriched the cultural landscape but also fostered community spirit and strengthened ties with the diaspora.
The Lagos State Government aims to sustain this momentum with the forthcoming ‘2025 Lagos Tourism is Rising’ campaign. This initiative seeks to build on the successes of previous years, celebrating the cultural richness of Lagos and further solidifying its position as a beacon of tourism, culture, and economic excellence. “As we reflect on these successes, we look forward to building on this momentum, creating more opportunities for Lagosians, and ensuring our city remains a global cultural destination,” concluded Mr. Aregbe.
