Five Disagreements with Detty December
Table of Contents
Nigerians in big cities, particularly Lagos, are already looking forward to the extensive list of events that will
take place in December, including concerts, raves, end-of-year celebrations, and a vibrant nightlife. However, despite the promises of glamour, music, and endless fun, Detty December also brings with it the less glamorous reality that many Nigerians fear each year.
If you're unfamiliar with the term "Detty December," let's educate you since being ignorant won't shield you from the chaos that characterizes Nigeria's well-known holiday season.
Detty December: What Is It?
Nigeria's Christmas season, known as "Detty December," typically begins as early as mid-November and lasts until the end of January, with December being the busiest month. Major cities around the nation, particularly Lagos, the economic and urban center, come alive with festivities, concerts, and a large influx of diasporan people at this time. The festivities are fueled by the new energy, foreign dollars, and excitement that these visiting Nigerians, affectionately known as IJGBs ("I Just Got Back"), bring with them.
Nigeria's Christmas season, known as "Detty December," typically begins as early as mid-November and lasts until the end of January, with December being the busiest month. Major cities around the nation, particularly Lagos, the economic and urban center, come alive with festivities, concerts, and a large influx of diasporan people at this time. The festivities are fueled by the new energy, foreign dollars, and excitement that these visiting Nigerians, affectionately known as IJGBs ("I Just Got Back"), bring with them.
Everything about the Detty December season is opulent, exuberant, and enjoyable. The basic annoyances that accompany participating in the celebrations, however, are on the other side of this time of rejoicing.
We simply dislike certain aspects of Detty December, such as the traffic, price increases, and congestion. Here are five things about Detty December that we dislike.
We simply dislike certain aspects of Detty December, such as the traffic, price increases, and congestion. Here are five things about Detty December that we dislike.
1. Increase in cab and transportation costs
The increase in transportation expenses is arguably one of the most annoying aspects of Detty December. From IJGB airport pickups to transports to clubs, parties, events, and other everyday commutes, the demand for taxis increases as December approaches. Due to this increase, ride-hailing fees are double or triple the going rate, which raises everyone's transportation costs.
Lagos residents lament the unaffordable cost of daily transportation year after year, but the worst part is that the increases continue past New Year's Day, continuing until the middle of January.
The increase in transportation expenses is arguably one of the most annoying aspects of Detty December. From IJGB airport pickups to transports to clubs, parties, events, and other everyday commutes, the demand for taxis increases as December approaches. Due to this increase, ride-hailing fees are double or triple the going rate, which raises everyone's transportation costs.
Lagos residents lament the unaffordable cost of daily transportation year after year, but the worst part is that the increases continue past New Year's Day, continuing until the middle of January.
2. Congestion and traffic
Everyone is aware of how terrible Lagos traffic is on average. Long commutes, traffic jams, and tired individuals with little energy left to party are the results of adding tens of thousands of tourists, longer convoys, and a packed metropolis as everyone rushes to reach their destinations.
Even a short drive takes hours during Detty December. This causes people to become impatient, frustrated, and exhausted, which makes them question whether leaving the house to go to that concert or rave is truly worth it.
3. Possible chargebacks that could impact companies
If 2024 taught Nigerian companies anything, it was that many IJGB, with their ostentatious accents and gleaming credit cards, are unreliable.
Many Nigerian visitors return to their bases after receiving appropriate services, only to file false chargebacks on the grounds of fraud and discontent with the offerings.
Businesses in the transportation, lodging, dining, and nightlife sectors all see economic growth during the Detty December period, which some individuals who wish to have it both ways are taking advantage of.
One of Detty December's main drawbacks for companies that are subject to high risk is the chargeback problem. Many businesses are already making insinuations that they will only accept Nigerian cash or credit cards in response to this. Once bitten, twice shy, after all.
The pressure to appear our best is increased by back-to-back events, camera-ready outfits, everyday excursions, and social media posts. Because of the increased demand, beauty and maintenance expenses also rise in December.
Every year in December, when the IJGBs arrive with their huge spending power, Lagos residents gripe about the exorbitant prices for cosmetic treatments. Because the diaspora population has a greater need and is frequently prepared to pay more, the average Nigerian will therefore pay more for clothing, hair, nails, makeup, and lashes. A $60 braid is cheap for the IJGB since it costs twice as much in America, but that's still about ₦90,000, which is much above the minimum wage per month.
5. Completely Reserved Rooms
Airbnbs, hotels, and short-term rentals all fill up quickly in Detty December. Rates rise as a result of reservations being made months in advance. While many apartments are earmarked for high-paying tourists, this leaves no place for locals who might use it for events or stay-cations.
As a result, normal consumers have fewer options and pay more, and the "luxury wave" frequently pushes out regular Nigerians living in the big cities.
Detty December is a season of joy, excitement, and reunions; it is a cultural moment. Every event and activity, however, comes with additional expenses, strain on the infrastructure, and a general annoyance that impacts everyone who wishes to enjoy the celebrations.
Airbnbs, hotels, and short-term rentals all fill up quickly in Detty December. Rates rise as a result of reservations being made months in advance. While many apartments are earmarked for high-paying tourists, this leaves no place for locals who might use it for events or stay-cations.
As a result, normal consumers have fewer options and pay more, and the "luxury wave" frequently pushes out regular Nigerians living in the big cities.
Detty December is a season of joy, excitement, and reunions; it is a cultural moment. Every event and activity, however, comes with additional expenses, strain on the infrastructure, and a general annoyance that impacts everyone who wishes to enjoy the celebrations.
Post a Comment