ABUJA — The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has proposed the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on “Detty December” to coordinate Nigeria’s booming end-of-year tourism and festival economy.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
New Inter-Agency Body to Drive December Tourism
Musawa said the task force would unify federal and state efforts to position Nigeria — particularly Lagos — as a leading global December destination, attracting visitors, diaspora returnees, and creative entrepreneurs.
“We have asked the President to establish a Presidential Task Force on Detty December,” the minister said.
“The task force will coordinate all the interdependencies we need — including the ministries of aviation, interior, and power — to ensure that Nigeria provides the international community with a top-tier destination for December festivities.”
She added that the initiative would also support Lagos State, which currently hosts the highest concentration of concerts, festivals, and cultural events during the festive season.
National Tourism Brand Adopted
The FEC also approved the adoption of new national tourism brands, including “Naija Season,” developed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to curate events and festivals across all 36 states throughout the year.
“These brands have been adopted as national catalysts for tourism and the creative industry,” Musawa said.
“It becomes a presidential initiative for Detty December — a way of showcasing our diversity, creativity, and unity through culture.”
Private-Sector Partnerships and Economic Impact
According to the minister, the initiative will encourage private-sector participation and boost Nigeria’s soft-power influence globally.
“Detty December,” a term that has become synonymous with Nigeria’s vibrant December celebration culture, refers to the wave of music concerts, fashion shows, nightlife events, and cultural festivals that dominate cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Calabar during the holiday season.
The period has become a major economic driver, generating billions in revenue for hotels, airlines, logistics firms, and the creative sector.
The Calabar Carnival has already achieved international recognition, while Lagos continues to host dozens of premium December events such as concerts, award shows, and cultural festivals that attract visitors from across Africa and the diaspora.
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