
Detty December. The season of endless festivities, vibrant nightlife, and cultural splendor. Each year, Detty December transforms West Africa—and particularly Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis—into one of the most electrifying destinations on the continent, if not the globe.
This magical period between December and early January draws diaspora communities and global tourists to hotspots like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. They come seeking unforgettable experiences: mouthwatering cuisine, African music, and fashion celebrations.
But it’s not just about entertainment—local businesses thrive during this period, with vendors, restaurants, and hotels enjoying a surge in patronage that significantly boosts the Nigerian economy.
For Detty December 2024, where did the money come from, and where did it go?
The Tourism Boom
Lagos Airport Influx
Between November 19 and December 26, 2024, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) cleared approximately 550,000 inbound passengers, with a staggering 90% being members of the Nigerian diaspora returning for leisure and tourism.
Top originating countries included the United States, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, while top destination states were Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun. These numbers underscore the global pull of Detty December, showcasing how diaspora communities are instrumental in driving both tourism and local spending.
Lagos Tourism Numbers
Lagos recorded an estimated 1.2 million tourists during this period, with 60% being domestic travelers from the South-East and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Key drivers included insecurity in the South-East, which redirected travelers to Lagos, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presence, which attracted visitors from Abuja. This influx of visitors not only boosted the city’s economy but also reaffirmed Lagos’s status as the cultural and economic heartbeat of Nigeria.
Hospitality Industry Revenue
Hotel Bookings
The hospitality sector experienced a massive boom, with revenue from hotel bookings estimated at ₦54 billion ($36 million) in December alone. Bookings reached 15,000 confirmed, with food and beverage revenue totaling ₦13.5 billion ($8 million). Eko Hotel led in booking value, while Albergo Hotel emerged as a rising star. Hotels not only benefited from room bookings but also from event spaces and culinary services, highlighting their integral role in the Detty December ecosystem.

Eko Hotels and Suites. Source: Eko Hotels
Short-Let Apartments
Short-let apartments generated ₦21 billion ($13 million) from 5,937 bookings, with an average daily rate of ₦120,000. Eko Atlantic recorded the highest residential bookings by value, while Banana Island led in estate bookings. This shift towards short-let apartments indicates changing preferences among tourists seeking more privacy and premium experiences.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Lounges and Nightclubs
The top 15 lounges and nightclubs in Lagos generated a staggering ₦4.32 billion ($2.7 million) in sales, with average daily sales reaching ₦360 million. The average spend per table was ₦1.2 million. A lounge on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road led by revenue, while newcomers, including one with a “kiosk entrance,” made notable rankings. Three clubs on Adeola Odeku Road also ranked high. The high expenditure in nightlife highlights Lagos’s status as a global hub for premium entertainment.
Adult Clubs
The top three adult (strip) clubs generated ₦2.5 billion over their eight major nights in December. Oniru, VI had the highest revenue from cash spraying on dancers, Ikate recorded the highest revenue by volume, and Lekki Phase 1 achieved the highest revenue by value. These numbers underscore how niche entertainment sectors also thrive during Detty December.
Beaches, Resorts, and Events
Recreational Activities
Revenue from recreational activities reached an estimated ₦4.5 billion ($2.8 million), with beaches and resorts contributing 70%. Top performers included Ilashe/Ibese beach houses and Elegushi beach houses, while emerging players like Giwa Gardens and Lakowe Lakes & Resort also made their mark. These venues not only offer relaxation but also provide Instagram-worthy moments, which are crucial for attracting tourists.

Lakowe Lakes and Resort Source: Lakowe Lakes and Resort.
Event Centers
A survey of 100 event centers revealed ₦1.2 billion ($804,000) in bookings from 1,175 events held in December. Eko Hotel & Suites ranked highest in revenue, while The Monarch Center emerged as a top contender. Events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, play a pivotal role in driving spending during the festive season.
Transportation and Luxury Rentals
Car Rentals
High-end car rentals in Eti-Osa Local Government Area generated ₦1.5 billion ($937,500) from 750 bookings. The average daily rate was ₦200,000, with some rentals reaching up to ₦2 million per day. This reflects the demand for premium transportation options to match the upscale vibe of Detty December.
Other Notable Categories
Entertainment and Services
Additional revenue streams added up to an estimated ₦20 billion ($13 million) across six major categories:
- Artiste bookings
- Food and drinks
- DJs and sound equipment
- Dancers
- Boat rentals
- Fine dining experiences
Beyond the parting, Detty December has continued to fuel Nigeria and other West African countries’ economies. Interestingly, it offers immense opportunities for private investors. As the season grows bigger each year, so does the potential for profits in key industries like planning and logistics, fashion and beauty, food and beverages, and high-end transportation. So if you want your own share of the Detty December money come December 2025, consider investing in these industries.
Research Source: Kayode Osebi, Tax and Revenue Consultant for the Lagos State Government.