When the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, recently announced that she proposed a Presidential Task Force on “Detty December” before the Federal Executive Council (FEC), social media and sections of the public dismissed it as a misplaced priority.
Critics argued that the government should focus on Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, and power problems rather than institutionalising a party season.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Yet a closer look suggests that the outrage may be premature. The policy could, in fact, strengthen Nigeria’s tourism economy if implemented with proper structure, inter-agency coordination, and attention to key infrastructural gaps.
A Step Toward Structured Tourism
“Detty December” has evolved over the years from a spontaneous social phenomenon into a major cultural and economic event.
Every December, thousands of diaspora Nigerians return home, filling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across Lagos, Abuja, and other cities. The season generates billions of naira in local spending across aviation, hospitality, logistics, fashion, and events.
The proposed task force, announced by Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, aims to coordinate government agencies, covering aviation, interior, power, and security, so that the festive period runs more smoothly. It also complements plans to establish Tourism and Cultural Economic Zones across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Federal Executive Council Press Briefing
Ahead of the upcoming Detty December season, a proposal was presented at the Federal Executive Council for the creation of a Presidential Task Force that will bring together all key stakeholders to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated… pic.twitter.com/W3HkXynpTq
— Hannatu Musa Musawa (@hanneymusawa) November 7, 2025
If managed effectively, the initiative could help formalise and scale up what has long been an informal but powerful tourism engine. It could improve logistics around major events, enhance visitor experience, and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading December destination, similar to how Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” has boosted its international profile.
Economic and Cultural Potential
Globally, many countries leverage annual cultural seasons to attract tourists and foreign exchange. Brazil’s Carnival, South Africa’s arts festivals, and the United States’ Coachella are examples of how cultural events can be structured into billion-dollar economies. Nigeria’s “Detty December,” powered by Afrobeats, fashion, and Nollywood, already has global recognition, it simply lacks formal support and planning.
A government-backed framework can help address that gap by providing security coordination, crowd management, reliable transport, and better branding. It can also open opportunities for small businesses, artisans, event planners, and creative workers who depend on the holiday economy.
In the long term, if the task force succeeds, Nigeria could diversify its economy by tapping into cultural and creative exports—a sector with massive potential for youth employment and foreign investment.
Where Government Must Do Better
For the initiative to have credibility, however, the government must confront persistent structural weaknesses that have long undermined tourism. Visitors, local or foreign, need assurance of safety. Without clear security coordination during large events, the risks could outweigh the benefits.
Unreliable electricity also remains a major concern for hotels, event venues, and entertainment hubs. Sustained power delivery is critical for both local confidence and international perception. Infrastructure — roads, airports, and sanitation facilities — must meet basic standards, particularly in high-traffic states like Lagos.
Most importantly, the task force must avoid becoming another symbolic committee. Success will depend on tangible outcomes: improved coordination, clear responsibilities, and measurable results.
The backlash against the Detty December task force reflects legitimate frustration with government priorities, but it may overlook the potential of cultural tourism as an economic driver. Turning Nigeria’s most vibrant festive season into a well-structured, revenue-generating sector could support job creation and enhance the country’s global image.
FURTHER READING
Still, this promise will only hold if the government matches vision with delivery, ensuring that security, power, and infrastructure keep pace with ambition. If that happens, Detty December could move from being just a catchy phrase to becoming one of Nigeria’s most successful tourism exports.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Click here to watch the video of the week below:
