The “Detty December” season has become an iconic celebration among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who always look forward to the month-long festive season especially in Lagos filled with concerts, parties, homecomings, and all manner of fun events.
However, 2025 seems to be the year that has jolt a lot of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora out of their revelry as skyrocketing costs are pricing many locals and even returnees, popularly called IJGB, out of getting the full ‘detty December’ experience.
Event calendars and sold-out shows still abound but outrageous shortlet prices, expensive concert tickets, inflated transport, and overall greed has turned the season into an “exclusive” preserve of a few rather than inclusive for all.
Outrageous Shortlet and Accommodation Prices
Short-term rentals (shortlets/Airbnbs) in Lagos and Abuja, once the go-to for privacy and group stays during December, have seen massive hikes which prices jumping from an average of N120,000 per night in 2023 to a range of N150,000 – N700,000 in 2025.
-Some Victoria Island/Ikoyi listings demand $9,000+ (about N14 million) for 11 nights which has led numerous celebrities to call out the outrageous prices warning Lagos could price itself out of “Detty December”.
Many returnees have had to switch to hotels (which are also pricey but more consistent) or opting for smaller, budget stays on the mainland.
Pricey Show and Concert Tickets
Major events are charging premium rates, making big concerts feel out of reach for average fans: some popular artiste’s shows are very much on the high side.
– Asake (Dec 24): Starting at N300,000
– Davido (Dec 25): N250,000
– Olamide (Dec 23): N120,00
– Fireboy DML (Dec 28): More affordable at N35,000
-VIP tables often hit millions of naira.
This has shifted vibes to smaller, underground gigs, house parties, or free/cheap events like street carnivals and religious concerts.
Transport, Flights, and Daily Costs
The season has also come with a surge in Ride-hailing prices across the country especially in Lagos while in-country flight costs is as pricey as it has ever been ranging from between N250,000 – N400,000
Greed Effectively Taking Over
The Detty December season which experienced organic growth hinged on heavy diaspora spending, Afrobeats global appeal, and communal fun generating millions in revenue (e.g., $71.5 million in 2024 from hospitality alone) is now at risk owing to greed.
Locals and middle-class folks are scaling back or opting out are no longer able to participate while a lack of regulation and fair pricing has made the season lose a bit of its appeal, if the situation is left unchecked, 2025 might just be the beginning if the end for the “Detty December” season as we know it.
