By : Lloyd Mahachi
Nigeria’s beloved “detty December” festivities, a month-long celebration of music, food, and merriment, are losing their luster this year. The economic downturn in Africa’s most populous country is taking a toll on the tradition, which is usually marked by concerts, carnivals, and lavish spending. For many Nigerians, the holiday season is no longer a time for indulgence, but a period of austerity.
Fade Bey, a public relations consultant is one of many Nigerians who have had to scale back their holiday plans. She usually spends her December attending concerts, trying out new restaurants, and buying gifts for loved ones. However, this year, she has had to prioritize more affordable hobbies, such as reading and watching movies. “I love eating out and buying gifts for the people that I love, but that has changed this year because of the economy,” Bey said.
The economic woes in Nigeria are attributed to high inflation, which has reached 34.5 percent, the highest in about three decades. The minimum wage is capped at a meager 70,000 naira ($45.30) per month, making it difficult for many to afford basic amenities, let alone recreational activities. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, two in three families go hungry, and the cost of cooking a pot of staple jollof rice has increased to 21,300 naira ($13.75).
The detty December festivities, which are popular in cities and towns across Nigeria, are usually marked by small street carnivals, communal festivals, food, and fireworks. However, this year, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and the usual excitement is missing. OluwaMayowa Idowu, a Lagos-based cultural connoisseur, noted that the detty December culture has expanded over the years, with music playing a big role in its growth. However, this year, many big acts are not participating, and the festivities are not as lively as they used to be.
The situation is not unique to Nigeria. In neighboring Ghana, the economic crisis is also affecting the holiday season. Sedinam Baku, a 28-year-old public health worker, said that she is having a muted celebration this year due to the economy. “It is usually me asking friends to go to certain places. It was very spontaneous in the previous year, but now you have to know what the menu and price is like,” she said. The cost of living in Ghana has increased significantly, with cocktails that used to cost 40 cedis ($2.70) now going for 96 cedis ($6.50).
The detty December festivities usually cater to the urban elite, the middle class, and diaspora Nigerians. However, this year, even the diaspora community is feeling the pinch. Valerie Eguavoen, a 33-year-old Nigerian living in the diaspora, said that she is shocked by the high prices of food and drinks in Lagos. “There is no doubt that there is a ‘December tax’ on top of the existing inflation in the country,” she said. Despite the challenges, Eguavoen and her friends are determined to make the most of their holiday in Lagos.
The economic woes in Nigeria are not just affecting the holiday season but also the country’s social and cultural traditions. Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, a historian and founder of Untold Stories, noted that the urban poor and rural poor are the most affected by the economic downturn. “What is more frightening, what requires more urgency, is the fate of the urban poor and the rural poor. December was a time focused on giving and bounty. Unfortunately, even those who in previous years would share free bags of rice, plantain, and chicken can no longer afford to do so,” she said.
The situation in Nigeria is a stark reminder of the country’s economic challenges. The government’s efforts to address the economic woes are yet to yield significant results, and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. As the holiday season comes to a close, many are left wondering what the new year will bring. Will the economy improve, or will the struggles continue? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, Nigerians are finding ways to cope with the economic challenges. Some are turning to alternative sources of income, such as freelancing or starting small businesses. Others are reducing their expenses, cutting back on non-essential spending, and finding ways to make their money go further. The resilience and resourcefulness of Nigerians are being tested, but the country’s people remain hopeful that better days are ahead.
As the detty December festivities come to a close, Nigerians are left to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism in the air, a sense that things will get better. The country’s music, food, and culture continue to thrive.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi