David Adebambo, Acting Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Lagos Command, has described the state as not just a city, but an export brand, that was yet to reach its full potential, given its multi culturalism.
Adebambo made the remark at a Co-Design workshop organised by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) University of Lagos, on Wednesday.
The workshop is with the theme: “Lagos, Yet Not Lagos; Plan for a Heritage-Based Detty December”.
According to the NIS boss, Lagos, rich in culture, creativity, faith and diversity, can and must change this narrative.
“The theme rightly implies that Lagos, despite its dominance, has not yet reached its full potential. It is still a city, trying to become a mega city in transition.
“With over 23 million residents, Lagos is Africa’s most populous city and by some estimates, the fastest growing urban centre on the continent.
“In terms of GDP, Lagos currently ranks fourth largest economy in Africa after Johannesburg, Cairo and Nairobi. The state’s GDP in 2022 stood at $135 billion, accounting for over 30 per cent of Nigeria’s non oil GDP,” he said.
He noted that Detty December has become an economic and cultural juggernaut, noting that the state generated over $71 million in revenue, during the season across the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.
Speaking further, Adebambo added that Detty December had placed Lagos on the global map stressing however that the economic boom recorded during the period under review was solely confined to the end of the year.
“We must shift ‘December Lagos’ to ‘All Year Lagos’, to unlock sustained growth.
“A full year cultural and economic calendar will among other benefits diversity tourist inflow, decongest peak periods, boost infrastructure investment as well as spread opportunities across sectors and communities
“This proposed all year calendar may highlight the Fanti Carnival, Lagos Fashion week and Easter Pilgrimage fir the first quarter, while the second quarter will feature the Eyo Festival, Boat Regatta and the Ifa/Traditional festival.
“The third will comprise of the Beach Soccer, Lagos Marathon and Sports and Fitness expos, while the fourth will have the Global Arts and Culture expo, Independence Celebrations and finally, a Tech-Entertainment Summit,” he stated.
According to him, each event could attract sponsorship, media coverage, diaspora interest and foreign direct investment, generating millions in revenue, as well as thousands of jobs,” he said.
He noted that the Nigeria Immigration Service had been playing a vital role in the area of transportation and access, adding that under the watch of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller General of the NIS, it had introduced the enhanced e-Visa System, that is fast, secure and 100 per cent online among other notable achievements.
He identified national heritages such as the National Theatre in Iganmu, beaches such as the Koko Beach Resort as some of the tourist sites that could provide serene and family friendly recreational spaces, that could contribute meaningfully to the local economy and lifestyle tourism.
The NIS boss further stated that to make Lagos truly ready for the project, there was the need to address three key components, which included security, urban planning and data driven governance, that would track visitors’ trends, spendings and areas of improvement.
“We must also deepen public-private partnerships to maintain heritage sites, expand transport systems and create digital visitor platforms.
“We can get it right this year. Thankfully, with the IADS initiative to begin early, coordinate efforts and act strategically, December 2025 could witness the highest diaspora return in history and Lagos stand to generate over N500 billion from tourism-based spending.
“New jobs will be created across the transport, hospitality, security, entertainment, logistics and ICT sectors.
“This will see Lagos, not just as chaotic mega city, but as a well planned investor-ready cultural capital.
“It’s not yet Lagos yet but it can be,” he stated.
An official of the Lagos State Council fir Arts an Culture, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the state in preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.
Describing the theme of the meeting as both timely and visionary, the official noted that there was the need to look beyond the dazzling celebrations of December and explore how intentionally the the spirit and substance of tradition could be elevated.
“As the body responsible for safeguarding, promoting and enriching Lagos’ artistic and cultural heritage the council has undertaken initiatives aimed at integrating cultural preservation with contemporary entertainment
“A total of N8 billion has been allocated to various heritage and artistic programs, ensuring that our traditions are not just remembered, but actively celebrated.
“A stand out among them is ‘the Greater Lagos Fiesta’ a cornerstone of our annual cultural calendar that seamlessly aligns with the Detty December season and sets the tone for the new year,” he said.
According to him, with the synergy in mind, it is time to consider an international fusion; integrating Detty December activities into the Greater Lagos fiesta, to create a more impactful and holistic experience.
“Such a union would among other expectations, foster cross-cultural connections that attracts global tourists and investors.
“It will also expected to drive increased revenue for local businesses and creative industries among others.
“As we engage in today’s brainstorming, narrative-building and planning session, let us think boldly and innovatively. Let us craft a December that delivers both spectacle and substance, one that showcases not only the Lagos we see, but the Lagos we feel,” he said.
According to the official, by intertwining Detty December with the Greater Lagos fiesta, the state can define how the world experiences the city, celebrating Lagos as a thriving hub of culture, unity and prosperity.
On his part, Dr Ayo Yusuf, Ag. Director of the IADS, the project Detty December is aimed at streamlining activities in a manner that would be beneficial to both the government and private individuals.
According to him, this can be achieved by showcasing more of the areas that the tourists needs to visit, for lasting experience.
“Detty December is not a formal ceremony. It is just a description of how Nigerians and other nationals flood into the city in the month of December. when the move around, there is usually that challenge of transportation, hotel reservations and others.
“This project therefore is aimed at finding means of making their stay worth the while. It is not just about them just coming in, eat, drink and enjoy themselves. It is for them to freely go round the places they feel they can visit, and go back armed with great and pleasant knowledge of what Lagos is all about.
“That simply explains the theme of the stakeholders’ meeting. It simply means they have not been able to see and savour all there is to, in Lagos.
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“So, this project has now called in stakeholders from all the sectors, both government and private and NGOs, to discuss, so that we can come up will recommendations to government, a kind structure that will make the Detty December more appealing and enjoys for all,” he said.
The high point of the meeting was a breakaway session by participants who came up with various suggestions on ways to reposition the initiative.
