If you think you know the Nigerian hospitality scene, think again. Gone are the days when a visit to Nigeria was strictly business or a quick family visit. Today, the “Giant of Africa” is carving out a new identity as a premier global destination for lifestyle, luxury, and leisure.
According to Jimmy Antonios, Hospitality Expert and Founder of Jay Consulting, the narrative has shifted irrevocably. “Nigeria is a game changer in hospitality,” Antonios affirms. “People from across the globe are coming to experience what Nigeria offers, and the sector keeps improving every year.”
Detty December: Nigeria’s global frontier for hospitality
The “Detty December” Phenomenon
The spearhead of this movement is undoubtedly “Detty December”—a cultural phenomenon that has transcended borders to become a global calendar event.
Thousands of diaspora members and thrill-seekers descend on Nigeria every December, injecting energy (and capital) that rivals that of major global festivals.
The Numbers: In December 2024 alone, Lagos State generated a staggering $71.6 million in tourism revenue, hosting over 1.2 million visitors.
The Vibe: It’s a month-long carnival of concerts, beach parties, and fashion shows where the world comes to consume Afrobeats at its source.
Beyond the Hype: A Sector “Improving Every Year”
While December grabs the headlines, Antonios notes that the real story is the sustained, year-round excellence emerging in the sector. Nigeria is moving beyond seasonal spikes to establish permanent, world-class infrastructure.
1. The Rise of “Bleisure” and Wellness. The line between business and leisure is blurring. New developments are catering to the “bleisure” traveller who wants high-speed internet during the day and high-end relaxation at night.
Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort has been revitalised, offering nature-based wellness that rivals retreats in Bali or Costa Rica.
Jara Beach Resort in Lagos offers an all-inclusive, private sanctuary that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle, proving that Nigerian luxury can be serene and exclusive.
2. Culinary Renaissance The food scene has exploded, moving from street food staples to avant-garde fine dining that deconstructs Nigerian flavours for a global palate.
Ìtàn Test Kitchen: Chef Michael Elégbèdé is putting Nigerian cuisine on the fine-dining map, treating ingredients like egusi and yams with Michelin-star precision.
The Ona: A champion of “New Nigerian” cuisine, offering tasting menus that narrate the country’s history through food.
3. Beach Culture 2.0 Lagos’ coastline is being transformed. Spots like Sol Beach and the members-only La Campagne Tropicana are redefining the beach club aesthetic, blending Ibiza-style cabanas with distinctively African hospitality.
The Expert Take
Antonios’s observation that “there is hardly any country that does not know about Nigeria” rings truer than ever. The country’s soft power—driven by music, film, and now hospitality—is creating a demand that the sector is racing to meet.
“The sector keeps improving every year,” Antonios notes, highlighting a resilience and creativity that is uniquely Nigerian. Investors are taking note, with major global hotel chains expanding their footprint in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, betting big on a market that refuses to slow down.
The Verdict
With a fusion of infectious energy, rapid infrastructure development, and a culture that celebrates life unapologetically, Nigeria is changing the hospitality game entirely.
