Keypoints:
- Lagos and Accra ready for visitor surge
- Tourists expected to boost local spending
- Tips shared to navigate December peak
WEST Africa’s biggest cultural capitals, Lagos and Accra, are preparing for another hectic festive season as ‘Detty December’ approaches, the now-famous end-of-year celebration coined by Afrobeats star Mr Eazi. The phrase has come to represent a month of non-stop indulgence and entertainment across the region. The movement continues to pull in visitors from across the diaspora, particularly Nigerians and Ghanaians returning home for the holidays.
The season has grown into a major economic event. A report by MO Africa Company Limited shows that 1.2 million people visited Lagos in December 2024, injecting an estimated N111.5bn (around $76 million) into the city’s tourism and entertainment sector. In Calabar, the Cross River Tourism Bureau confirmed that 300,000 people attended the city’s 32-day carnival. Ghana has seen a similar surge, prompting the Nigerian government to announce plans to expand its ambitions for capturing the Detty December market.
Holiday traditions now a regional industry
Lagos and Accra have, in recent years, become the epicentre of Detty December festivities. Events range from concerts and beach parties to weddings, pop-up markets, festivals, and marathon nightlife. Parties in both cities often run from midnight into midday, with organisers setting up new entertainment options each year to meet surging demand.
Beyond entertainment, the season has become a significant economic driver. Stronger foreign currencies give returning visitors an advantage in purchasing power, creating both opportunities and challenges for local businesses. While premium venues benefit from high-spending tourists, analysts and cultural entrepreneurs warn that smaller businesses can easily be left out unless visitors make deliberate efforts to patronise local services.
Visitors urged to plan ahead
Given the scale of the festive rush, Lagos and Accra residents — along with those travelling home from abroad — are being encouraged to plan their movements carefully. Seasoned participants recommend managing energy levels, preparing for multiple events per night, keeping transportation options open, and ensuring phones and portable fans stay charged throughout long nights.
Travellers arriving from overseas are also advised to carry cash or set up alternative banking options. In Accra, foreign exchange is easily accessed at bureau de change outlets in malls and commercial areas. In Lagos, visitors are more likely to rely on airport currency traders or personal connections to verified money changers.
Local spending and ethical choices
Cultural commentators have stressed the importance of supporting local businesses during the season. From fashion and retail outlets to small salons and studios, locally owned enterprises stand to gain significantly from increased patronage. Visitors can help ensure a more inclusive economic impact by mixing high-end purchases with local options and choosing neighbourhood providers for beauty, grooming, and personal services.
Transport, downtime and safety checks
With traffic expected to worsen as visitors flood the cities, hiring a dedicated driver or using rental services is becoming a popular option. Private drivers in both Lagos and Accra offer flexible arrangements for visitors looking for reliability during peak periods.
Despite the excitement, observers urge visitors to balance festivities with rest. Short getaways — such as trips to Cape Coast or Kumasi in Ghana, or Ibadan and private beaches in Nigeria — provide quieter alternatives to the urban rush.
Finally, travellers are encouraged to double-check bookings, accommodation quality, and service providers, as the season often attracts unreliable operators seeking to cash in on inflated demand.
