Manny Ita –
- The Federal Government has announced the early commencement of planning for the 2026 “Detty December” festive season, in a bid to address structural challenges observed during previous editions and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global holiday destination.
Minister of Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, disclosed the development on Saturday, stating that preparations would begin this month to ensure a more coordinated and seamless experience for both local and international visitors.
According to the Minister, the government is particularly focused on tackling persistent issues such as inadequate accommodation, inconsistent service standards, and price inflation, which drew criticism during the last festive season, especially in Lagos, the epicenter of the annual celebrations.
“We are starting early this time because we have identified key gaps that must be addressed to sustain the momentum of Detty December as a global attraction,” Musawa said. “Our goal is to create a structured, efficient, and welcoming environment that benefits tourists, businesses, and Nigerians alike.”
She noted that the initiative would involve collaboration with state governments, private sector stakeholders, and service providers across the tourism and hospitality value chain to ensure improved planning and execution.
“Last year, we saw incredible turnout and global attention, but we also observed challenges around accommodation shortages and unregulated pricing. These are issues we are determined to fix through proactive engagement and policy coordination,” she added.
Detty December, a term used to describe the vibrant end-of-year festivities in Nigeria, has in recent years evolved into a major tourism driver, attracting thousands of visitors from the diaspora and beyond. Events ranging from music concerts and beach parties to cultural festivals have contributed to significant economic activity during the period.
The Minister emphasized that the government intends to standardize pricing frameworks and encourage fair practices within the hospitality industry to prevent exploitation of visitors. “We want a system where pricing is competitive, transparent, and reflective of value, not opportunistic,” she said.
She also revealed that efforts are underway to expand accommodation capacity through partnerships with investors and to promote alternative destinations beyond Lagos, thereby easing pressure on existing infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the early planning initiative, noting that timely coordination could help avoid last-minute bottlenecks and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable tourism hub.
Musawa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a key economic driver, stating that “Detty December is not just a festive period; it is an economic opportunity that must be properly harnessed and managed for long-term growth.”
