WHY LAGOS IS THE DIASPORA’S DECEMBER DESTINATION

Every time the calendar turns to December, one city in Africa comes alive with unmatched energy, allure, and opportunity. Lagos, the heartbeat of Africa’s creative and festive spirit has emerged not only as Nigeria’s commercial nerve-center but also as the ultimate homecoming destination for the diaspora and the world.

In this piece, the writer explores how Lagos has become the December destination for the Nigerian diaspora, who affectionately call it “home”, and why it matters for culture, commerce and global connection.

Redefining Lagos as Africa’s Premier Homecoming Destination

Under the transformative leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos continues to evolve into a globally admired city; one that is resilient, inclusive, and full of boundless opportunities. Through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the Governor’s forward-looking framework envisions a Lagos that is not only a thriving commercial hub but also a beacon of culture, innovation, and unity for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

Speaking to members of the African Ancestry delegation, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of history and heritage, stating: “Our rich and diverse history is crucial to our identity as Nigerians and Africans.” His frequent and heartfelt call to the diaspora is to see Lagos as their home - reinforces the city’s open invitation to reconnect with its people, culture, and promise.

For the diaspora community returning to each holiday season to reunite with family, rediscover their roots, and immerse themselves in the city’s rhythm, Lagos offers far more than nostalgia. It offers a renewed opportunity; a tapestry of well-curated experiences, dynamic events, and powerful networks that bridge continents and generations.

Indeed, there is something magical about every December in Lagos, a month when the city’s lights burn brighter, its people come together, and its spirit of celebration echoes across the world.

Why December? The Season of Homecoming, Culture & Commerce

The month of December, which crowns the annual “ember” months in Lagos, has evolved into a vibrant cultural phenomenon. The season is characterized by a lineup of world-class events - including the Mrs. Universe Africa pageant, Greater Lagos Fiesta, fashion showcases, culinary experiences, and music concerts.

In 2024, the city delivered a spectacular “Detty December” season, generating over US$71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality and entertainment. Beyond the festivities, these gatherings boost the local economy, create jobs, and strengthen Lagos’s global reputation as Africa’s creative and cultural capital, while uniting diasporans, international visitors, and Lagosians through shared celebration and commerce — creating unforgettable experiences for all.

Diaspora Engagement & Institutional Alignment

As a demonstration of its deep commitment to diaspora engagement, Lagos has taken a significant step by establishing a fully-fledged Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA), dedicated to coordinating the interests and participation of Nigerians, particularly Lagosians living abroad. Through this initiative, Lagos has further affirmed its position as a city that not only welcomes homecomings but also intentionally embeds diaspora engagement as a cornerstone of its development agenda.

Government’s message to the diaspora to see Lagos as their home goes beyond rhetoric. It is reinforced by concrete policies and programs spanning transportation, commerce, tourism, and culture, all designed to attract diasporans, harness their skills and investments, and integrate their heritage into Lagos’s growth and transformation story.

Commerce, Investment & Festivalisation

December stands out as a period of vibrant commercial momentum, a season designed by heightened activity across festivity, entertainment, culture, and tourism. The hosting of the inaugural Lagos Shopping Festival signified the city’s entry into the league of prominent destinations that celebrate commerce and creativity through dedicated shopping festivals.

As locals and international visitors eagerly anticipate this year’s edition, the event continues to strengthen Lagos’ reputation among the world’s leading urban destinations where business, leisure, and lifestyle seamlessly converge.

For the diaspora, therefore, December in Lagos is more than a homecoming. It is an investment of time, emotion, and economic potential, woven into a rich tapestry of cultural immersion, connection, and adventure.

Lagos Is Ready for You: Roads, Rails, Rivers and Raves

With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the helm, a bold wave of public infrastructure development now underpins Lagos’s growing appeal as a world-class destination. Over the past few years, this administration has transformed Lagos’s transport and infrastructure backbone, strategically positioning the city for an unforgettable December experience. Over 60 new roads and five major bridges have already delivered, including the Abiola-Onijemo Link Bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye, alongside major upgrades across Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki- projects that have drastically eased urban travel.

Key expressways such as the Eti-Osa, Lekki-Epe corridor and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway have been expanded and beautified, creating smooth gateways to entertainment, business, and tourism districts. These are complemented by extensive maintenance on over 1,000 roads and the installation of solar-powered streetlights that make night travel safer, brighter, and more vibrant during the festive season.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Lagos has also attracted over US$1.2 billion in digital and fibre-optic investments, strengthening internet connectivity, e-payment systems, and mobile access - essentials for residents and visitors navigating the city’s December buzz.

At the core of this transformation is a multi-modal transport revolution. The flagship Blue Line Rail, now fully operational from Marina to Mile 2, has added three new train sets (12 additional coaches), doubling passenger capacity and reducing wait times to under 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the Red Line Rail, linking Agbado to Oyingbo, is nearing completion and will serve up to one million commuters daily, easing road congestion and improving travel efficiency.

On the waterways, the Omi Eko Project is redefining ferry transport through the introduction of 78 new electric ferries, 25 modern terminals, and newly dredged routes connecting Ikorodu, Badore, Falomo, and other key waterfronts.

Together, these developments position Lagos as a smart, connected megacity, one where movement by road, rail, or water is seamless and sustainable. For the diaspora returning home this festive season, they are surely coming back to a Lagos that is easier to explore, more efficient to navigate, and ever ready to embrace them with the energy, comfort, and sophistication befitting Africa’s most dynamic city.

Tourism & Entertainment Ecosystem

December in Lagos is no longer just a festive season, it is a cultural spectacle. The Detty December experience has evolved into a hallmark of entertainment, creativity, and global appeal, drawing diaspora professionals, creatives, and returning Nigerians to the city. Lagos has positioned itself as a magnet for culture, music, and lifestyle, offering a festival calendar that rivals major cities worldwide.

For December 2025, Lagos is pulling out all the stops. Strategic initiatives such as the “101 Days in Lagos” festival will showcase a continuous run of events leading up to and beyond the Ember season, blending music concerts, fashion shows, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. Signature events like the Lagos Shopping Festival and the Nigeria Beer Festival are set to return, alongside new programs designed to elevate the creative economy and highlight local talent.

The State has also strengthened stakeholder coordination, digital engagement platforms, and early-event registration, ensuring that visitors from the diaspora or abroad can get the best out of this remarkable season in Lagos. As the Special Adviser on Tourism notes, “the Ember season is not just a festival window; it is a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and international visibility for Lagos.”

For diaspora visitors, December in Lagos promises more than a return home, it offers a full spectrum of cultural adventure, where music, fashion, art, and entertainment converge to create moments that are uniquely Lagosian.

Why the Diaspora Should Mark Their December Return to Lagos

December in Lagos is more than a holiday. It is a homecoming and a season of reconnection with family, culture and roots. Lagos offers the full spectrum of experience. From traditional festivals and street carnivals to world-class concerts and upscale entertainment, the spirit of Lagos lives within its people - their warmth, creativity, resilience, and unyielding zest for celebration, making every moment in the city a story worth remembering.

Beyond its vibrancy, Lagos is a valuable economic and cultural asset. With shopping festivals, cultural spectacles, and a wave of infrastructure renewal, the city is brimming with opportunity. Its boundless energy creates fertile ground for business ventures, real estate, creative industries, trade, and investment. Lagos seamlessly connects opportunity with readiness, ensuring that diasporans returning home encounter not just inspiration, but tangible prospects for growth and partnership.

A Global-City Experience in Africa

Today’s Lagos competes confidently with the world’s leading destinations. Hosting international-standard events that draw thousands and generate tens of millions of dollars in hospitality revenue. With a redefined December experience, Lagos is the destination for those who want to experience the best of Africa in one place.

Safety and Institutional Support

The Lagos State Government’s proactive commitment to safety, infrastructure, and diaspora engagement has created an environment where visitors and returnees feel truly welcome. Through sustained investment in security systems, tourism infrastructure, and the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA), the government has reduced barriers and built confidence. The message is clear: You are valued. Lagos is safe for you. Lagos is ready for you.

Lagos has often been described as a city of audacious dreamers - people who think big and make things happen. The next phase, therefore, is to elevate the “December Phenomenon” by extending the festivities, enriching cultural participation, integrating diaspora talents across governance, commerce, and the arts, while ensuring that safety, infrastructure, and connectivity continue to stay ahead of demand.

For every Nigerian abroad longing for home this December, the message from Lagos State is unmistakable: Come back. See the city as yours. Join the celebration, the culture, and the commerce. Make Lagos your December destination because Lagos is ready, willing, and open for you.