By Annabel Bonney
If you’ve been wondering “how many people visited Lagos from diaspora for Detty December last year,” the answer might surprise you: around 495,000.
This estimate, backed by MO Africa in partnership with Lagos State agencies, suggests that 90% of the 550,000 inbound air passengers during December 2024 were Nigerians returning home from abroad. That’s nearly half a million diasporans flooding into Lagos to enjoy one of Africa’s most vibrant holiday seasons.
What is Detty December?
Detty December is not your average end-of-year celebration. It’s a full-blown cultural festival, especially in Lagos, filled with concerts, family reunions, beach parties, art fairs, and an unshakable spirit of joy. “Detty”—a playful twist on “dirty”—means to let loose, to party hard, to fully enjoy the moment. And for many in the diaspora, it’s the perfect excuse to fly back home.
The Numbers Behind the Buzz
A report by MO Africa, working alongside Lagos State’s Ministry of Tourism and other agencies, confirmed that of the estimated 550,000 people who arrived via air into Lagos during the festive season, 495,000 were Nigerians from the diaspora. This aligns with other publications:
- ATTA noted Lagos hosted about 1.2 million visitors total, both local and international.
- Tribune Online revealed 90% of arrivals at MMIA were Nigerians based abroad.
| Category | Number |
| Total Inbound Air Passengers | 550,000 |
| Estimated Diaspora Visitors | 495,000 |
| Total Visitors (All Sources) | 1,200,000 |
The Economic Ripple Effect
This influx wasn’t just about celebration. It meant big money for the economy.
According to Nairametrics:
- $44 million generated from hotel bookings
- $13 million from short-let apartments
- $71.6 million in total Detty December revenue
This doesn’t even count revenue from concerts, nightlife, food, fashion, and transportation.
Cultural Impact
Lagos transforms into a global village during Detty December. Diasporans, or “IJGBs” (I Just Got Backs), reconnect with their roots, revive old friendships, and participate in the rapidly growing creative scene. Events like Afrochella (now AfroFuture), Rhythm Unplugged, and Palmwine Fest pull crowds in the tens of thousands.
Challenges With the Numbers
While the 495,000 figure is widely cited, it’s not universally agreed upon. CNN and others highlighted the diaspora return but didn’t pin down specific numbers. And BusinessDay called for better, more transparent tracking of these events.
But even with that, the current data gives us a clear picture: Lagos isn’t just a Nigerian city during Detty December—it’s a global gathering spot and maybe geering off to takeover from Accra. Let’s see what 2025 has in stock…
Ready to experience Detty December like never before?
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