Mr. Gbenga Onitilo, Chief Executive Officer of TravelDen, has cautioned that unchecked price hikes could erode the appeal of Nigeria’s popular Detty December festivities.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Onitilo said many visitors were already voicing frustrations over inflated costs, warning that the trend could dampen enthusiasm for the holiday season and hurt the tourism sector.
He described the current pricing landscape as “unsustainable,” noting that some hotels, event organisers, and service providers were charging between three and six times their usual rates.
“Accommodation, entertainment, and hospitality services have gone overboard. We are gradually creating an environment that discourages returning Nigerians and international visitors,” he said.
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Onitilo explained that Detty December gained momentum in 2024 through social media, which showcased Nigeria’s rich nightlife, food culture, concerts, and tourism experiences. The season, he added, became a homecoming highlight for Nigerians in the diaspora eager to reconnect with local culture.
However, he lamented that some operators now set prices targeting foreign currency spenders, neglecting affordability—a key element of Nigeria’s festive tradition.
“If this continues, many Nigerians will choose other destinations with structured, reasonably priced holiday experiences,” Onitilo warned, citing Ghana and Rwanda as examples of countries with better-regulated festive economies.
He urged government intervention to stabilise pricing through regulation, stakeholder engagement, and possible subventions to protect the seasonal economy.
“This year, many stakeholders prepared well, but we have taken pricing out of order,” he said. “Bars, restaurants, and hotels are pushing limits unnecessarily.”
Onitilo emphasised that sustaining Detty December would require collaboration, fair pricing, and long-term planning to keep Nigeria competitive and attractive to both local and international holidaymakers.