Federal Government To Kickstart 2026 Detty December Preparations In March, Says Minister
The Federal Government will start preparations for the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s year-end celebrations, known as Detty December, from March, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has revealed. Speaking on the MIC ON podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Musawa reflected on the 2025 festive season, noting that while it brought substantial economic and tourism benefits, it also exposed gaps that need addressing to maintain Nigeria’s growing appeal as a global holiday destination. “The 2025 Detty December had more positives than negatives. Tourist numbers and spending were strong, but issues like limited accommodation, inflated vendor pricing, and traffic congestion threatened the overall experience,” she said. She added, “We are reviewing last year’s season, with focus on accommodation shortages and vendor overpricing. Preparations for this year’s Detty December will begin in March, with a proposal to the Federal Executive Council to ensure all necessary coordination for a successful festive season in Lagos.” Detty December encompasses the flurry of concerts, festivals, parties, and cultural events that dominate Nigeria’s social calendar in December, with Lagos as the central hub for both local and international visitors. “Lagos has become a global choice for December tourism, but we want to expand festivities to other regions. Events like the Calabar Festival, as well as activities in Enugu, Plateau, and other parts of the South East, will be developed to draw visitors to more parts of the country,” Musawa said. The minister also outlined plans to boost support for Lagos and the creative sector through targeted funding, infrastructure development, and an endowment fund to enhance creative output. “The Federal Government must provide more support to creatives, including through funding and infrastructure. The proposed endowment fund will help achieve this, and we also need more high-end hotels to accommodate visitors,” she added. Musawa expressed optimism that ongoing airport upgrades in Lagos would improve visitor experience by year-end. While traffic relief measures like new roads and flyovers are underway, she cautioned that uncontrolled pricing could undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness. “The government must regulate pricing to ensure Nigeria remains a top December destination,” she said.
