Nigeria is leveraging the success of its end-of-year cultural event, Detty December, to boost the economy and attract foreign currency. The event, which features concerts, fashion shows, beach activities, and culinary events, generated $71.6 million for Lagos State, media reported, citing Idris Aregbe, special adviser to the governor on tourism, arts, and culture.
Detty December, which originated in 2016 as a social media hashtag coined by musician Mr. Eazi, has grown into a major tourism draw. Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr headlined sold-out concerts, attracting both local and international audiences. Additionally, the 41% depreciation of the naira against the dollar last year made Nigeria an attractive destination for diaspora visitors, allowing their foreign currency to stretch further.
Obi Asika, director general of Nigeria’s national council for arts and culture, highlighted efforts to centralize and expand the event.
“Lagos was bursting at the seams, but we’re beginning to see other places” hosting similar activities, including Abuja and Edo State, he reportedly said.
Asika suggested that Detty December could become a defining aspect of Nigeria’s global image.
“We want to take the passion of Detty December and make it almost like a national calling card,” he was quoted as saying.