In the heart of West Africa, the city of Lagos is emerging not just as Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse but as a global cultural magnet. Unlike those location-bound festivals, Detty December involves the entire city of Lagos, from the upscale beaches of Victoria Island to the bustling streets of Lekki and the mainland neighborhoods of Ikeja. A 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update from the state’s Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget estimates that tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, Detty December’s core, contributed over 5% to Lagos’ GDP growth in 2024. If harnessed, Detty December could model how festivals drive inclusive urbanism in the Global South, turning cultural assets into economic engines. Investing in Lagos’ Festival FutureDetty December is more than a party; it’s a blueprint for urban transformation in emerging economies.

Source: The Guardian December 29, 2025 13:33 UTC