The President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has called for a more intentional and coordinated approach to Nigeria’s fast-growing Detty December tourism season, stressing that hospitality, national image, safety standards and affordability must take centre stage.
Speaking during the Naija7Wonders Zoom Conference, Badaki said while conversations around tours, entertainment and destination marketing continue to dominate the Detty December narrative, the hospitality sector — where visitors ultimately rest and spend most of their time — remains largely overlooked.
“Every traveller going anywhere will return to a place of lodging. Hospitality is central to the entire experience, yet we are largely silent about it,” he said.
Badaki emphasized that Detty December must be deliberately structured to protect Nigeria’s reputation while maximizing its economic potential. According to him, although the festival season is largely driven by private sector initiatives, strong government participation is essential for coordination, regulation and long-term sustainability.
“The private sector has created the events and deserves credit, but government involvement is critical. Without collaboration, it becomes difficult to protect national interest and deliver quality experiences,” he noted.
He urged stakeholders to pay closer attention to how Nigeria’s cultural identity is projected during the festive season, warning that poor planning could damage the country’s image.
On visitor experience, the FTAN president raised concerns over soaring prices, particularly in accommodation, which he said could discourage both local and international tourists.
“When costs become astronomical, people cannot fully enjoy the hospitality experience. This is a major challenge, especially in hotels,” he said.
He also pointed to infrastructure pressure in parts of Lagos, including severe parking shortages and overcrowding during peak events, noting that such strains reduce visitor comfort.
Badaki observed that while Lagos has become the epicentre of Detty December, similar festive tourism models have long existed elsewhere.
“December has always been vibrant in Calabar, even before the Detty December branding. Akwa Ibom State followed suit. These destinations show the concept is not entirely new,” he said.
He explained that shifting security realities in parts of the country have also influenced travel patterns, with many Nigerians opting for urban festive hubs instead of returning to their hometowns.
“With organized events and international attention now growing, both government and private sector players must design sustainable systems to manage this expansion,” he added.
Badaki questioned the safety and regulatory compliance of facilities used during the season, warning that some temporary accommodations and apartment-style lodgings fall short of acceptable standards.
“Are these facilities safe? Are regulations enforced? Some places used in Lagos are barely habitable, and security cannot be guaranteed,” he cautioned.
He stressed the need for structured data collection, standardization of operations, and stronger regulatory frameworks across states hosting major festivals.
FTAN, he revealed, is already working through a committee to interface with organized private sector operators and improve coordination.
The tourism leader also dismissed the notion that Detty December is exclusive to Lagos, noting that several states are developing parallel cultural and festival tourism offerings.
“Festivals across the country are witnessing growing global attention. Infrastructure is being upgraded to support them,” he said.
He called on governments at all levels to strengthen security architecture around festival locations to ensure visitor confidence.
Badaki further advocated alignment with international best practices, improved manpower training, and stronger collaboration with hospitality associations — citing the workforce development model in Calabar as a replicable example nationwide.
“Government alone cannot do it. Partnership with the private sector is essential,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of proper documentation and accessible information systems to help tourists plan seamlessly. “Visitors should be able to see destinations, events and facilities at a glance. Documentation and coordination are critical to sustaining growth,” Badaki stated.
