FTAN President urges structured planning for Detty December tourism to improve safety, hospitality, and visitor experience across Nigeria

The President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has called for a more coordinated approach to Nigeria’s Detty December tourism season, stressing that hospitality, national image, safety, and affordability must take priority.

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The announcement was made during the Naija7Wonders Zoom Conference on Monday.

Badaki argued that while tours, entertainment, and destination marketing dominate conversations around the festival, the hospitality sector where visitors spend the majority of their time remains largely overlooked.

“Every traveller going anywhere will return to a place of lodging. Hospitality is central to the entire experience, yet we are largely silent about it,” he said.

Highlighting the role of government, Badaki emphasised that although private sector initiatives drive the festive season, strong regulatory participation is essential for coordination, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability.

“The private sector has created the events and deserves credit, but government involvement is critical. Without collaboration, it becomes difficult to protect national interest and deliver quality experiences,” he said.

The FTAN president raised concerns about soaring accommodation prices and infrastructure pressures, including overcrowding and parking shortages in Lagos.

He warned that astronomical costs and insufficient planning could undermine visitor experiences and deter both local and international tourists.

Badaki pointed out that while Lagos is the epicentre of Detty December, similar festive tourism models exist in other states such as Calabar and Akwa Ibom.

He stressed that increasing global attention requires sustainable systems to manage expansion, with improved safety, regulation, and workforce training.

The FTAN leader also questioned the safety standards of some temporary and apartment-style accommodations used during the festival, urging governments to strengthen security frameworks and ensure regulatory compliance.

He advocated for structured data collection, standardisation, and improved documentation to allow tourists to easily plan visits.

Concluding his address, Badaki reiterated the need for strong public-private partnerships to protect Nigeria’s cultural identity while maximising economic potential.

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“Government alone cannot do it. Partnership with the private sector is essential,” he said.