JANUARY 05, 2025

BY  Chinedu Eze

There is clear evidence that domestic tourism is growing in Nigeria, but such growth reached its peak in December 2024, when it attracted international tourists, including Nigerians in Diaspora who took advantage of the weak naira to secure for themselves luxury services put at several millions of dollars.

Hitherto, local music festivals were held at the end of every year, but in 2024 it attracted renowned international artists and made Lagos a tourist haven and a rendezvous for musicians.

The international visitors spent millions of dollars, taking advantage of the depreciation of the Naira.

Reports indicate that Detty December has become a pilgrimage for music enthusiasts, with Afrobeats as the driving force behind its magnetic pull.

Detty December founded by musician, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, alias Mr. Eazy and his partner a few years ago in Ghana and extended to Nigeria later, seemed to have been taken over by the most populous country in Africa.

According to reports, 2024 featured an extraordinary lineup of both international and Nigerian megastars. Global acts like Gunna, Chloe Bailey, Tyla, and Saweetie shared the spotlight with Nigeria’s heavyweights—Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Burna Boy, Rema, and Arya Starr and analysts say that the pilgrimage to Nigeria will get bigger and bigger every year.

Due to insecurity, fluctuating foreign exchange and policy summersault in terms of visa issuance, Nigeria was not a destination for international tourism but music and entertainment have done the unexpected, bringing prominent entertainers to Nigeria.  

According to reports, a weak naira turned into a strong selling point, as Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign tourists found their dollars increasing its purchasing power, making Nigeria an affordable luxury destination.

Analysts say that weak Naira made it costly for Nigerians to travel overseas; “so, they stayed home during the holidays and fueled domestic tourism and also attracted remittance inflows.”

This was confirmed by reports, which indicated that hotels were fully booked, short-let apartments were snapped up weeks in advance and this shows that Nigeria’s creative industry is untapped and can be the pivot for the building of international tourism in the country.

Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, confirmed the influx of foreigners to Lagos, noting also that Nigerians in diaspora travelled to their indigenous states, while some remained in Lagos during the holidays. He also spoke about domestic tourism.

“Lagos gets all the diaspora. It is only native diasporians that are coming home. I see quite a lot of that in Uyo, Enugu, Owerri and Calabar. But the domestic tourism was massive in 2024. Nigerians are in almost every city I have seen in the last two weeks. I have been around Nigeria a little bit in the last two weeks and Nigerians are moving.  The economy is hard, things are tough but Nigerians are visiting friends and families and relatives, everybody is going to visit one family, joining friends, they are partying, old school hangout. Nigeria is like a big party scene right now. On my flight to Owerri, somebody checked in 14 bags, they were coming from Europe. Another person checked in 18 bags, they were coming from America. So quite a lot of people are coming in from outside but I see them as Nigerian diasporans for now. Those are the people I am seeing all around,” he said.

Ambassador Uko said that most hotels in different cities in Nigeria were filled to the brim, which was an indication that domestic tourism is booming.

“Most of the big hotels in Lagos cleaned out. And I am sure you have seen posts about the cheapest hotel rooms in Victoria Island, Lekki, so that is formalised. Quite a lot of numbers, this is massive payday for hospitality business in Lagos, Owerri, in so many of these cities. In Calabar it happens every year. And for the informal player, this is a booming business. Everybody has something to sell and they are people to buy. I was sitting at the airport, I saw quite a lot of those American girls buying up funny books about Nigeria. Quite a lot of books I saw from them that I have never seen before. So everybody has things to sell and people are buying.

“If we are able to organise it properly it will be good for the country.  This idea about the harmattan season started with the then Minister of Tourism, Frank Ogbuewu in 2004 under Obasanjo administration when they created the Abuja Carnival. Calabar Carnival started about that time. And now it has culminated into the Detty December for 2015, 2016, 2017 in Lagos. Now it is a national event. There is no state that is not tripping, almost every state in the southern part of Nigeria is agog now, the business is happening. We need to be able to capture it properly like Ghana did with Christmas in Ghana. So we should be able to formalise it and make it a whole big business. So everybody knows that we are expecting like a million people in Nigeria in December,” he said.

But Uko frowned at the report that 30,000 Africans were denied visa to Dubai for Christmas and advised that Africans should stop going to Dubai for Christmas, and should start spending their Christmas in Africa.

“Nigeria offers quite a lot. There is a party every day somewhere. And I think peak tourism has come to stay in Nigeria. Forget those stories of insecurity. Yes, that insecurity is mainly targeted violence. But the crime as we know it is normal crimes don’t usually exist during this time. So we are having a very good successful domestic tourism period. And I hope it is sustained,” he said.

He also noted that although Nigeria has many tourist attractions, “but the draw are the beaches in Lagos.”

“But the beaches in Lagos are mad. Every beach resort is full. And they are charging top money. So the waterfalls, maybe not this time because this is the harmattan season, colder in the north. So, quite a lot of those places might not be an attraction this time. But if it is about the restaurants, the bars that are by those sites, they are doing well. This is December time, people just want to party, eat, drink, felicitate and enjoy,” he further said.

Detty December has proven that Nigeria can attract international tourists. It is therefore the duty of government to make Nigeria more secure so that instead of Nigerians travelling to other countries during Christmas, Africans can be coming to Nigeria to have good time at Christmas.

JANUARY 07, 2025

By Anozie Egole

Nigerians have lamented that despite the reduction in the price of petrol, transporters have failed to effect a reduction in transport fares nationwide.

These angry Nigerians added that instead, the prices are still going up.

The PUNCH reported that on December 19, 2024, the Dangote refinery reduced the ex-depot price of its petrol from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

This sparked intense pricing competition in the downstream sector, forcing the NNPCL to reduce its ex-depot price to N899 per litre.

Similarly, the refinery announced its partnership with MRS Petrol station to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre, to the delight of Nigerians.

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has clarified that the recent reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, to N899.50 per litre at its loading gantry was primarily driven by the complex dynamics of market forces.

However, Nigerians have lamented that though there is a reduction in the petrol price, transporters have failed to reflect the change in the transport fare.

An X User, #AsiwajuOladimeji posted, “When PMS was N1,200 a litre, transporters increased transport fares. The price of PMS has come down and there is no reduction in the transport fares. Sometimes it’s not about the government. We are also greedy as human beings.”

Another X User, #Arakunrin, stated, “While the harsh reality is that our people are avaricious. The normal fare from Oshodi to Iyana-Ipaja is N500, but after the price of fuel increased, it went up to N700. Now that the price of fuel came down before Christmas it is N1000. This has left me wondering all day,”

A user, #Brendan Champion, opined that the slight reduction in fuel price is not enough to trigger a reduction in transportation costs.

 #Undisputed pointed out that the rate the drivers were collecting when the fuel price was N1200 was not enough.

“The fare the drivers were collecting when the price was N1200 wasn’t even enough. If you want to a drastic reduction, then effect a drastic reduction in the fuel price to at least what it was before,”

Another user, #Wemmy, said, “I am not a transporter, but the increase in transport fares was not equal to the increase in the fuel. There was over a 500 per cent increase in fuel price but the increase in transport fares never passed 100 to 200 per cent.”

Also, a user, #Agha Nigerian, said, “It is pathetic honestly speaking. This is what we are discussing now. Imagine the transport fare from Berger to Mowe is now N1000 just because of the programme at the Redeem Camp.”

Another user, Linus Lincoln, said that the amount which members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers are charging drivers is much

NACCIMA reacts

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr Dele Oye, mentioned that the major cause was the dollar.

“The main thing that affects all the prices is the dollar. The dollar is affecting power, it is affecting everything in our lives. Because we are a demand economy,” Oye said.

According to him, another major factor is the fact that Nigeria is not a supply economy.

“We are not a supply economy. A demand economy means most of the things you use are goods from outside Nigeria. If we were a supply economy, it would be that most of the things we can produce, like Turkey, which is a supply economy,” he said.

The NACCIMMA president stated that Nigeria’s production capacity can’t handle 30 per cent of the country’s needs.

“Our production capacity is not even 30 per cent of our needs. So that’s why everything, all the vehicles on the road, imagine all of them, 99 per cent are imported,” Oye stated.

He maintained that the only way Nigeria’s economy can grow is to provide single-digit capital for the private sector.

“Once they have those single digits, it will increase production and people will be able to buy the goods. Import substitution,” he advised.

JANUARY 07, 2025

By Brian K. Sullivan

(Bloomberg) -- A winter storm has grounded flights across the eastern and central US, shut federal offices in Washington and knocked out power across six states. 

Washington, where Congress will meet to certify the presidential election later Monday, had received as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) of snow through the morning, according to the National Weather Service. As much as 12 inches may fall in some areas before the system finally exits around midnight, said Frank Pereira, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. 

“Going forward we’re still expecting an additional 6 to 8 inches, bringing our totals up close to a foot in some spots,” he said.

The storm is the first major snow event of the season across most of the central and eastern US, arriving in time to tangle Washington’s morning commute after dropping as much as 18 inches across eastern Kansas. Most federal offices have been shut, according to the US Office of Personnel Management.

More than 1,900 flights around the US were canceled Monday, including at Washington and Baltimore airports, according to FlightAware, an airline tracking service. More than 1,900 additional trips were delayed. 

Federally funded rail passenger carrier Amtrak has also scrubbed trains across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including the Acela high-speed service to and from Washington, according to its website. Commuter rail services in Maryland and Virginia won’t be running on most lines Monday.

As of 10 a.m. New York time, almost 325,000 customers were without power in eight states from Missouri to Virginia, the hardest hit, according to PowerOutage.us.

Power prices more than doubled on three US grids stretching from the Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic. The average for on-peak power on the New England grid jumped to $165 per megawatt-hour for Monday from Jan. 3 to the highest level in almost a year. New York City rose to a two-week high of about $146. 

Electricity at the benchmark hub on the grid operated by PJM Interconnection LLC, which serves more than 65 million people from Washington DC to Chicago, averaged $73 for Monday, the most in four months. 

After the snow passes through the mid-Atlantic, enduring frigid temperatures will keep driving demand higher. PJM released a cold-weather alert for Jan. 8 to Jan. 10 asking power plant and transmission line owners to consider deferring any maintenance, and for generators to let the grid operator know of any fuel limitations. Demand is poised to climb to about 133 gigawatts, the most since September, according Arcus Power’s NRGstream grid data service. 

While the snow in Washington may ease by midday on Monday, a second round is expected later. New York City will be spared the worst of it, with less than an inch expected, and Boston won’t get any snow at all, Pereira said. 

Meanwhile, wind chills across Texas have dropped temperatures to as low as 5F (minus 15 C) in some places, and there is a threat of snow and rain across Dallas starting Wednesday and lasting until Friday. As of mid-morning, more than 8,000 customers across Texas were without power, PowerOutage.us said. 

--With assistance from Naureen S. Malik.

(Updates cancellations in fifth paragraph)

JANUARY 08, 2025

Ogun Gateway Airport has taken too long to commence full commercial operation because of its pursuit of an operating permit instead of aerodrome certification, it has been revealed.

This is just as the airport is putting in place the necessary facilities to position the international cargo airport as a veritable alternative to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for passenger and cargo operations.

In 2023 when the state government rolled out the drums to celebrate the inaugural aircraft landing, many Nigerians had expected full commercial operations to commence there.

According to the state government, that would soon be a reality as the federal government had already given the nod for the commencement of charter services at the airport using the temporary terminal while work has reached advanced stage at the permanent terminal of the airport.

The Ogun Gateway Airport Administrator/Consultant, Capt. Dapo Olumide, while providing an insight into the operation of the airport during a recent tour, said the Gateway Cargo Airport would have commenced operation but the government was insistent on pursuing an Airport Operating Permit instead of an Aerodrome Certification, explaining that the former is more stringent than the latter.

He was joined by the Commissioner for Works, Engr Ade Akinsanya and the Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo.

Olumide said, “There is a difference between operating permit and aerodrome certification. We are the first airport in Nigeria to attain the status of full operation permit. What we are doing is we are going for an operating permit which is far more stringent than an aerodrome certification.”

Checks by our correspondent indicate that aerodrome certification has five stages like the airline operating certificate (AOC) comprising application, technical evaluation, inspection of facilities, among others.

Earlier in December 2024, aviation agencies including the apex regulatory authority, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) inspected facilities at the airport as part of the certification process which is still ongoing.

According to Olumide, the airport being the closest to MMIA, the busiest airport in Nigeria, has the longest runway suitable for any international landing and departure. For an aircraft that is diverting from Lagos, the airport provides a suitable alternative landing. He said that within an hour and half, passengers who land at the airport would find themselves in Lagos.

In addition, he described the airport as the best location in Africa for the transportation of perishable and non-perishable food items. “We have a cargo warehouse. This is also an ideal location for Hajj flights and it offloads the traffic in Lagos.”

As part of the certification process, the government has completed an administrative building for NAMA, a five-storey building control tower, a modern fire station, a meteorological garden with windshield direction, and automatic weather station (AWS), among others.

3 concessionaires eye airport

Meanwhile, three concessionaires have indicated interest in the airport, according to Capt. Olumide.

He, however, clarified that the airport, designed as an aerotropolis, has several layers that could be concessioned to would-be investors.

He said, “We have three companies that have expressed interest in the concessioning.

“But the concession has to be clarified. A lot of people don’t understand what concession means. It’s like when you hear about Lagos Airport being concessioned. It’s the terminal building that is being concessioned. The runway will always remain FAAN’s.

“But the terminal building would be concessioned. Same thing here, we are concessioning the infrastructures of the airport because this is slightly different from the airport in the sense that this is primarily an aerotropolis and because it is an aerotropolis that makes it more attractive for concessionaires.”

JANUARY 08, 2025

Liam Casey

TORONTO — Ontario will beef up security along its border with the United States as part of its response to tariff threats from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.

The move, dubbed Operation Deterrence, will see some 200 Ontario Provincial Police officers focused on boosting border security. The OPP has been increasing patrols along the vast border using airplanes, helicopters drones, boats and patrol vehicles.

"Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border," Ford said in a statement.

"We need to see words turned into visible action. In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs."

Ford said a "more co-ordinated, Team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground" is the only way to address the problem.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods on his first day in office on Jan. 20 unless Canada tightens border security, with an emphasis on fentanyl trafficking and illegal crossings.

The province said its operation, which it describes as a "preparedness and planning framework," will target activities outside of the 14 official border crossings staffed by federal border agents.

"In partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Operation Deterrence activity will be enhanced through the use of the emergency response team, front-line officers and additional specialty resources, including canine units, commercial motor vehicle inspections and criminal investigators," it said.

Ontario officials took part in a joint planning and readiness exercise with federal authorities on Friday to promote co-ordination at the border, the province said.

The federal government announced a series of measures following Trump's election victory in the fall to better secure the border with a $1.3-billion package, in response to the threat. Trump has not said if he will pause the tariffs.

Ontario has not received any new money from the federal government on the new border measures.

Alberta announced last month it would create a new sheriff unit to patrol the Canada-U.S. border. The unit will be supported by about 50 armed sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones and four drug detection dogs. It is expected to be operational shortly, Premier Danielle Smith said.

Manitoba has also announced plans to beef up its border, with conservation officers helping out with surveillance, Premier Wab Kinew said last month.

The country's premiers plan to hold a call Wednesday to discuss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation and Parliament's prorogation, the tariff threat and a premiers' trip to Washington, D.C., in February, Ford's office said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025.

Liam Casey, The Canadian Press

JANUARY 08, 2025

The United Kingdom has implemented its Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for visitors from dozens of additional countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The system, aimed at tightening border security, took effect on Wednesday, allowing eligible travellers to enter Britain with pre-travel authorisation, according to AFP.

The ETA, which costs £10 and permits stays of up to six months within two years, was first introduced in 2023, beginning with Qatar.

Last year, it expanded to include five Gulf countries and now covers citizens from approximately 50 more nations, such as Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Caribbean territories.

Travellers required to use the system can apply via an app, with applications for these newly added countries opening last November.

By April, the scheme is expected to extend to European Union countries and other territories. From March 5, travellers in these regions can begin applying for ETAs.

The system applies to visitors transiting through the UK, as well as to children and infants.

However, British and Irish citizens, residents, and those holding passports from British overseas territories are exempt. It does not alter requirements for countries that already require a visa for UK entry, such as China and South Africa.

London’s Heathrow Airport has opposed the scheme, saying its rollout has reduced the number of passengers transiting through the UK, making the country “less competitive” and harming economic growth.

This development parallels Europe’s forthcoming ETIAS system, which is expected to begin later this year.

The European Union’s version will cover visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 countries, including the UK, and will cost seven euros for three years of access.

According to government data, the US, Canada, and Australia collectively account for around six million visitors to the UK annually. The UK government views the ETA system as a crucial step in strengthening its border security measures.

JANUARY 08, 2025

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have kicked against the N55bn allocated in the 2025 budget for the maintenance of the presidential fleet.

This is contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly for approval.

If approved by the lawmakers, over N55.5bn will be spent on total overhauling of three aircraft engines in the presidential fleet, including fuelling, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and other maintenance of the presidential fleet.

The entire aviation ministry’s 2025 budget stands at N105,953,496,365, The PUNCH understands.

2M

448 So This Happened (EP 259) review the celebration of Prof. Wole Soyinka @90, others

The budget, which was scrutinised by our correspondent, showed that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has N71,123,368,069; the Nigerian Meteorological Agency gets N9,819,554,829, while N7,975,364,319 goes to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

Others are the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, with N10,035,209,148, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, which was allocated N7,000,000,000.

Meanwhile, at least N19.43bn was spent on the maintenance and operations of the Presidential Air Fleet from July 2023 to September 2024, The PUNCH gathered.

Checks by our correspondent on GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending, showed that the payouts amounted to N13.55bn in 2024, representing 66 per cent of the allocations for the fleet in the fiscal year.

The yet-to-be-passed budget showed that N8,646,336,653 bn was earmarked for the repair of air navigational equipment, while N5,514,000,000 was set aside for an engine overhaul of one of the aircraft in the presidential fleet with the registration number 5N-FGW.

The document further stated that two other engines will be overhauled with the sum of N3,132,336.65.

The government also planned to spend N8,646,336,653 on air navigational equipment, with N1,550,000,000 proposed for aircraft fuel cost in 2025 and another N1,255,700,000 for aircraft maintenance in the presidential fleet, among others.

Besides, the sum of N149,000,000 was appropriated for security operations (overhead) and an additional N7,500,000 for cleaning and fumigation services for the presidential fleet.

The sum of N311,145,300 was set aside for insurance premiums for aircraft.

However, The PUNCH understood that this huge sum may be handled by foreign insurance companies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, since local insurance companies don’t have the capacity to insure aircraft, particularly airbuses.

Meanwhile, local insurance companies only occasionally serve as “middlemen” between the presidency and their foreign counterparts.

Oppositions, Nigerians react

When approached by our correspondent, South-West chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, asked if the presidency was planning on procuring another aircraft.

He, however, promised to get back but never did till press time.

Also venting his anger on the development, factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, described the development as an inhuman and satanic act, adding that spending such an amount of money on the presidential fleet was a misplaced priority. He reasoned that with millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, it’s an appalling and “wholesome insult to the Nigerian masses that the government would choose to spend such a large sum on luxury aircraft.

He said, “The presidential air fleet already has some aircraft, including a recently purchased Airbus A330, which cost over $100m.

“The government’s spending habit is a clear indication of its lack of commitment to reducing poverty and inequality.

Debo Adeniran, the executive chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, noted, “What we are getting from this administration is opposite to our expectations… an administration that has fallen in love with profligacy.

“It’s time the government rethink its priorities and start putting the needs of its citizens first. The proposed expenditure on presidential jets is a national shame, and it’s time for Nigerians to demand better from their leaders. As you noted, it’s surprising that the same people who are complaining about the government’s wasteful spending will likely vote for the same politicians in the next election. It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.”

An engineer, Olakunle Aina, said he was disappointed to hear that such figures are voted for travel, stating that the funds are huge for fancy sake.

“I am not an aeronautic engineer, but I know that the money wouldn’t have been that huge if our leaders were ready to manage, only if they were in tune with the level of hardship in the land, but no! They are not suffering; what to eat is not their problem, and that is why the next thing for them is affluence. For me, spending such huge money on the presidential fleet is the height of insensitivity.

“It can be cheaper while the balance can be better channelled; our leaders must think, and the time for that is now.”

A trader, Mrs. Aina, said she couldn’t relate to what the huge amount meant to get Nigeria better and subtly added that her biggest saving was N150,000.

“The biggest I ever had is N150,000, and I contributed that for a whole year just to get a koiki. So, when you say some leaders intend to spend N55bn on travelling in aeroplanes, that will bring trauma to me; I will be tempted to place curses on them.”

JANUARY 09, 2025

By Godwin Oritse

The Grimaldi Group has unveiled a groundbreaking direct shipping service connecting Shanghai, China, to Lagos, Nigeria, eliminating the need for transshipments and setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency in maritime logistics. This development, which is a first of its kind, was disclosed in Lagos on Monday by the Managing Director of Grimaldi Agency Nigeria and PTML Terminal, Mr. Ascanio Russo.

Speaking about the new innovation, Russo highlighted the exceptional advantages of the new service, emphasizing its unmatched speed and efficiency. According to him, the direct route will take just 27 days to transport cargo from Shanghai to Lagos — an industry-leading transit time.

“This is the fastest transit time in the industry. No transshipment, no delays! Nigerian importers can now ship their goods with ease and confidence, knowing their cargo will arrive directly and on time,” Russo said.

The new service is tailored to accommodate all types of cargo, including containers, cars, vans, trucks, heavy equipment, general cargo, and project cargo, ensuring flexibility for a wide range of shipping needs.

Russo noted that this service is designed to deliver maximum value to Nigerian importers and exporters, offering competitive freight rates while maintaining Grimaldi’s reputation for reliable service.

“With the launch of this direct shipping service, we are addressing one of the key challenges faced by Nigerian importers—unnecessary delays caused by transshipments through other ports. This direct route reduces costs, eliminates risks, and simplifies logistics for businesses in Nigeria. It is a game-changer for trade between China and Nigeria,” Russo stated.

He further assured users of the service that they would enjoy the premium benefits associated with Grimaldi’s PTML Terminal, located at Tin Can Island Port.

“We are offering streamlined handling, priority processing, and an unparalleled level of service through our PTML Terminal, which remains the preferred logistics hub in West Africa. Our customers can rely on us for seamless, stress-free shipping solutions,” Russo added.

He said the launch of this service further underscores the strategic importance of the PTML Terminal, which has solidified its position as a premier logistics and transshipment hub for West Africa.

The Grimaldi Group recently inaugurated the new monthly shipping service with the maiden voyage of the Great Cotonou, a state-of-the-art G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessel. The vessel is part of Grimaldi’s cutting-edge fleet, which integrates advanced technology for efficient cargo handling and reduced environmental impact.

“This new service is a testament to Grimaldi’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the development of the Nigerian maritime sector,” Russo stated. “We are proud to be a trusted partner for Nigerian businesses and remain steadfast in our mission to provide world-class shipping solutions.”

Nigerian importers and exporters have lauded the development, noting that the direct shipping route will not only save time but also reduce the overall cost of doing business. The Grimaldi Group’s initiative is poised to boost trade between China and Nigeria, strengthening economic ties and driving growth in both regions.

With competitive freight rates, unparalleled transit times, and comprehensive cargo-handling solutions, the Grimaldi Group’s direct service is set to redefine shipping standards and create new opportunities for businesses across Nigeria.

JANUARY 10, 2025

By Ayanda Ntuli, CNN

LagosCNN — 

It’s a world of endless parties and sleepless nights. A relentless celebration that turns West Africa – and especially Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos – into one of the hottest destinations on the continent, if not the planet, right in the middle of winter.

Detty December is a magical time between December and early January when diaspora communities and tourists flock to Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa for an unforgettable experience filled with flavourful food, soulful African music and sunshine.

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Beach parties, festivals and top-tier performances fuel the energy, while fashion takes center stage, with everyone dressing to impress.

Nearly two-thirds of Nigeria’s population is under 25, according to the United Nations Population Fund, making this one of the world’s youngest countries.

Internationally renowned Afrobeats performers and foreign artists make surprise appearances. DJs take to the streets, blasting powerful beats from consoles mounted atop bright yellow minibuses.

At times it’s all-consuming. Good luck getting hair salon appointments, affordable air tickets or navigating Lagos’ already notorious traffic when the party crowds are in town.

Detty December (“detty” is a playful corruption of “dirty”) is a triumphant celebration of culture, music and good vibes that has evolved in recent years during the traditional holidays influx of diaspora returnees, which heightened in 2018 when Ghana ran a launched a successful “Year of Return” campaign actively encouraging people to visit their ancestral homelands.

It’s gathered pace over the past five years, gaining an international reputation, as IJGBs (“I Just Got Backs”) and their friends arrive in batches, eager to unwind and blow off steam after the fast-paced, hard-working year they’ve had overseas.

For many in the vast Nigerian diaspora, it is a deeply personal homecoming, a chance to reconnect with their heritage, traditions and families while immersing themselves in the lively energy of Nigerian life.

 Ghana's "Year of Return" in 2019 brought a huge influx of tourists to Ghana. Cape Coast Castle, where slaves were held before being shipped to the New World, is a major attraction for visitors. 

‘Everyone is on a vibe of happiness’

Cynthia Eniola Oyeneyin, who moved from Nigeria to the UK at the age of nine, is a Detty December regular. Despite living abroad for most of her life, she returns to Nigeria every year to reunite with family and friends.

“It’s always important for me to go back to my roots and to go back to my culture,” she says. “Nigeria, for me, will always be home, so when I go back, I’m happiest. And mainly because, especially in December, everyone is on a vibe of happiness.”

Many locals also look forward to joining the party.

“I also look forward to attending Christmas parties and family Christmas gatherings which is a cultural thing in Nigeria where we cook and host each other and it’s always a good time,” says Ademidun Akindele. “This December was really good. Lagos is extremely populated during this time of the year but I can’t complain because it’s good for the economy and it’s amazing to see people.”

‘Black is beautiful’: Why Nigerians think their Guinness is better than Ireland’s

  

What makes the Nigerian Detty December unique?

For starters, Nigeria’s entertainment scene is buzzing during Detty December, offering an abundance of performances headlined by some of the biggest Afrobeats stars, like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Tems.

Festivals such as the Calabar Carnival in Cross River State, referred to as “Africa’s biggest street party,” and the Flytime Fest music festival in Lagos provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences, drawing massive crowds eager to immerse themselves in the culture.

Many events are organized by Cultur FM, an influential brand that boasts a large global presence and serves as a unique platform celebrating the richness of African music. It aims to spotlight the often-overlooked talent in the genre, shifting focus from Western DJs who have embraced these sounds to the African artists and DJs who define them.

During the latest Detty December, Cultur FM staged a series of creative events in Lagos. Collaborating with brands like Air Peace, Pepsi Nigeria and Hennessy Nigeria on gatherings that celebrated African pride while connecting deeply with local communities.

 >span class="inline-placeholder">Ayra Starr performs at Flytime Fest in Lagos on Christmas Day, 2024. 

‘Back where it all started’

“We wanted to go back to where it all started,” a Cultur FM founder told CNN Travel. He didn’t want his name revealed in line with the organization’s brand anonymity.

“It was essential to involve local people and celebrate the vibrant creativity of these streets.”

He said the standout from the 2024 lineup was an unforgettable block party in Surulere, the iconic Lagos neighborhood that birthed music legends like Wizkid and Oxlade.

Departing from the typical glitzy beach club scene, this free community event aimed to honor its roots. DJ booths were set up on yellow mini-buses, Oxlade delivered an electrifying performance, and brands distributed free merchandise and drinks.

As Detty December gains prominence each year, so does Cultur FM’s influence. The group plans to expand into Ghana and South Africa, continuing to disrupt the music scene, inspire pride in African heritage and connect the diaspora with its roots.

But it’s not just the events — FOMO (fear of missing out) is real!

Lagos during Detty December is bustling with energy, and even if you’re not there, social media feeds will be packed with pictures and videos of people’s highlight reels from their vacations.

From glamorous weddings — because, lest we forget, December is peak wedding season in Nigeria — to house parties, beach day parties and long-awaited family reunions, there’s never a dull moment.

For most tourists and the Nigerian diaspora, the trip feels worth every penny. The favorable currency conversion for travelers from countries such as the UK, the US and Canada makes luxury experiences and indulgences more accessible.

This affordability, combined with the promise of unforgettable memories, makes it hard to resist hopping on a plane for the ultimate holiday. And that’s not all: Local businesses thrive during this period, with vendors, restaurants, and hotels reaping the rewards, in turn providing a boost to the Nigerian economy.

 DJ K.A.S. and Toby Shang entertain the crowds in Surulere in December 2024. 

“One of the things I’ve observed the most is the positive economic impact this December has on Nigeria,” says Cynthia. “People are coming to Nigeria to have fun and pumping money into the economy, bringing in more jobs for, you know, the less fortunate as well, and it’s so beautiful to watch.”

Of course, no good thing comes without challenges. While Detty December feels like a haven of fun, there are certainly drawbacks. Flights to Lagos from the UK, US, and Canada become expensive, especially during this period, prompting IJGBs and frequent visitors to book within the first three months of the year to avoid sky-high costs.

Additionally, as an emerging market, Nigeria’s infrastructure often struggles to handle the influx of visitors during Detty December, leading to severe traffic jams that are a nightmare to navigate.

“Lagos is already populated, but come December, you know most people in the diaspora come to Nigeria,” says Ademidun. “This year, I even noticed more people who aren’t even of Nigerian heritage coming into the country to participate in the events, which was interesting, but it just meant everywhere was packed. So, getting a nail appointment, or a hair appointment wasn’t impossible but it was tricky. There is also a lot of traffic, which we expected but traffic jams are a major hindrance of enjoyment.”

 Lagos has an estimated population of more than 16.5 million, according to the UN World Urbanization Prospects. 

Ademidun’s experience highlights the strain on everyday life during Detty December. But beyond the inconvenience, there’s a deeper issue at play – the impact the celebration has on locals.

Many would like to experience the festivities in full but are met with soaring prices driven up by tourists with deep pockets. This effectively excludes some from enjoying simple pleasures like food, events, beach clubs, and getaways in their own country.

Despite these challenges, Detty December has elevated Nigeria’s global profile, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in the festivities. The rich culture, nonstop entertainment, and viral #DettyDecember posts have transformed the country into an even more sought-after vacation destination.

Beyond the partying, it serves as a stage for cultural exports, from authentic traditional cuisine to Afrobeats and the resurgence of Y2K fashion, infused with fashions inspired by Nigeria’s “Nollywood” movie scene, turning every moment of Detty December into a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural richness.

Detty December is no ordinary festive season, it’s a movement that unites people from all walks of life in a celebration of African excellence. It places West Africa in the spotlight and as Lagos shines brightly for the world to see, it’s evident that this isn’t merely a homecoming for the diaspora or a festive holiday destination — it’s an ode to Nigeria’s unyielding spirit and its ever-growing influence on the global cultural stage.

JANUARY 10, 2025

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have taken stringent measures that will help put an end to the menace of unruly passengers’ behaviour in airline operations in Nigeria.

NCAA and the airlines agreed to battle the menace after a meeting in Lagos, where the airline gave details of how unruly passengers disrupt flight operations, exacerbate flight delays and cancellations.

Passengers, it was learnt, have allegedly beaten up airline staff, including female staff who were married and some of them expectant and some older men who happened to be at the departures when they revolted in protest against either flight delays or cancellation.

AON alleged that passengers had at different times beaten airline staff to coma, severely injured others and noted that they do these only on domestic flights.

The airlines said that the passengers do this because no one has held them to account and most often the staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) watch them without intervening, when they manhandle airline staff.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have taken stringent measures that will help put an end to the menace of unruly passengers’ behaviour in airline operations in Nigeria.

NCAA and the airlines agreed to battle the menace after a meeting in Lagos, where the airline gave details of how unruly passengers disrupt flight operations, exacerbate flight delays and cancellations.

Passengers, it was learnt, have allegedly beaten up airline staff, including female staff who were married and some of them expectant and some older men who happened to be at the departures when they revolted in protest against either flight delays or cancellation.

AON alleged that passengers had at different times beaten airline staff to coma, severely injured others and noted that they do these only on domestic flights.

The airlines said that the passengers do this because no one has held them to account and most often the staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) watch them without intervening, when they manhandle airline staff.