FG Proposes Presidential Task Force on ‘Detty December’ to Boost Nigeria’s Tourism Economy

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a proposal to establish a Presidential Task Force on “Detty December”, aimed at coordinating Nigeria’s rapidly expanding end-of-year tourism and entertainment economy.

The new inter-agency body, according to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, will work to unify federal and state efforts in promoting Nigeria — particularly Lagos — as a premier global December destination for festivals, music, art, fashion, and cultural experiences.

Musawa disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents after Thursday’s FEC meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

She explained that the initiative would serve as a strategic framework for Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors, harnessing the economic potential of the “Detty December” season — a term now synonymous with the country’s bustling nightlife, concerts, and cultural festivities during the holiday period.

Coordinating Nigeria’s Fast-Growing Tourism Scene

According to Musawa, the proposed Presidential Task Force will comprise representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, including Tourism, Interior, Aviation, Information, and Youth Development, as well as private sector stakeholders in entertainment, hospitality, and travel.

The task force will coordinate event calendars, streamline visa and travel processes, ensure safety and logistics, and attract international tourists seeking authentic African cultural experiences.

“The idea is to formalize and strengthen Nigeria’s vibrant December tourism ecosystem,” Musawa said. “Every year, we see a huge influx of visitors from the diaspora and around the world who come for our music festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events. This initiative ensures we can manage that growth responsibly and profitably.”

She described the move as a milestone in the administration’s creative economy agenda, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to make culture and entertainment central to Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

‘Detty December’: From Pop Culture to Economic Powerhouse

Over the past decade, “Detty December” has evolved from a social media slang into a full-blown economic season in Nigeria, generating billions of naira annually through concerts, nightlife, fashion events, art exhibitions, and tourism-related spending.

Cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Calabar have become festive hotspots, drawing tourists from the Nigerian diaspora and across Africa. Major international acts and homegrown stars alike headline large-scale concerts, while hotels, restaurants, and transport services record massive patronage.

According to data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Tourism Development Corporation, the hospitality and entertainment sectors account for a growing share of Nigeria’s non-oil GDP, with December alone contributing up to 30% of annual revenues for many businesses in the industry.

Musawa noted that the government now intends to leverage this organic cultural movement to boost employment, attract foreign exchange, and project a positive image of Nigeria to the world.

“We have a cultural product that already sells itself — what we need is structure, safety, and strategic promotion,” she said. “Through this Task Force, we will bring together all relevant agencies to ensure that Nigeria becomes the official home of December in Africa.”

National Tourism Branding: ‘Naija Season’ and Beyond

The Minister further announced that the Federal Executive Council approved the adoption of new national tourism brands, including “Naija Season”, an initiative developed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The Naija Season project curates cultural festivals, local events, and tourism showcases across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), running from January through December. It aims to highlight Nigeria’s diverse traditions and creative expressions year-round, rather than limiting attention to peak festive months.

“Naija Season captures the spirit, energy, and creativity of our people,” Musawa explained. “It complements the Detty December initiative by giving both local and international visitors reasons to explore Nigeria’s beauty, culture, and hospitality throughout the year.”

Under the plan, states will be encouraged to develop signature events — from food and fashion fairs to film festivals and art exhibitions — which will be catalogued under the national tourism calendar managed by the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy.

Economic and Security Coordination

The proposed Presidential Task Force will also focus on improving logistics, infrastructure, and security coordination during the peak festive season.

In recent years, concerns over traffic congestion, crowd management, and event safety in Lagos and other urban centres have sparked calls for better planning and regulation of large public gatherings.

Musawa said the inter-agency nature of the Task Force would enable the federal and state governments to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to address these challenges proactively.

“We are not just talking about entertainment,” she stressed. “We are talking about jobs, tourism infrastructure, digital innovation, and cultural diplomacy. This is an economic growth strategy that touches multiple sectors — security, aviation, transportation, small businesses, and hospitality.”

The initiative will also seek to make visa-on-arrival processes more efficient during the December season, promote seamless airport experiences, and enhance collaboration with airlines, hotels, and event organizers.

Cultural Diplomacy and International Partnerships

As part of Nigeria’s broader creative economy agenda, the government plans to work with foreign missions, tourism boards, and cultural institutions to market the country’s December calendar to the global audience.

Musawa revealed that the Ministry is in discussions with several international partners to create cross-border tourism exchanges, targeting African and diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

“Nigeria’s December culture is not just about parties,” she added. “It is a convergence of African music, fashion, film, and food. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a cultural capital — the place to be every December.”

This aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies the creative and cultural industries as key drivers of foreign investment and youth employment.

Private Sector Reaction and Expectations

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-overdue step toward formalizing a lucrative but largely informal sector.

Lagos-based event promoter and hospitality entrepreneur, Ayo Alonge, said the creation of a Presidential Task Force would help streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and attract international sponsors.

“Every December, Lagos becomes the heartbeat of African entertainment. A government-backed coordination system will ensure better planning, security, and promotion,” he noted.

Similarly, travel and tourism consultant Chioma Eze said the initiative could help boost inbound tourism if implemented effectively.

“Nigeria already has the audience and the energy. What we need is policy support — easier visas, flight incentives, and proper data collection. If we get it right, Detty December could become Africa’s Coachella,” she said.

Looking Ahead

With the FEC approval secured, the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy is expected to begin stakeholder consultations and draft an operational framework for the Presidential Task Force within the coming weeks.

The Task Force will set measurable goals, such as increasing tourist arrivals, enhancing event infrastructure, and raising Nigeria’s share of Africa’s creative economy revenue.

Musawa reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to using culture, art, and creativity as engines of national renewal and international rebranding.

“This is about more than entertainment,” she concluded. “It’s about showing the world the best of Nigeria — our energy, our talent, our resilience. December is when the world will come home to Nigeria.”