Every December, airports across Nigeria brim with excitement as familiar faces step off planes, dragging suitcases filled with gifts, gadgets, and the unmistakable scent of foreign brands. These returnees — affectionately known as IJGBs, meaning I Just Got Back — mark the unofficial start of Nigeria’s festive season. Their arrival injects life into the air, transforms the nightlife, and sends economic ripples throughout the nation, especially in a bustling city like Lagos.
Interestingly, many people are always excited about the busy December in Lagos, as the name “Detty December” was even coined to depict the “good vibes” nature of the season.
Unsurprisingly, people from abroad love to come home to celebrate the season with all joy and cheerfulness “…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.” – CNN’s interview
In addition to “Detty December”, “IJGB” is also another popular term commonly used during this buzzling period. The term IJGB has even become part of Lagos street slang. It is a blend of admiration and gentle teasing directed at those who momentarily forget the realities of local living. Yet, beyond the jokes, their return brings colour, cash, and connection. Their spending power revitalizes local economies, from restaurants and clubs to fashion boutiques and ride-hailing apps.
Price Rise During the Festivities
The excitement of December comes with an unavoidable side effect — rising prices. The influx of returnees, combined with increased local demand, often drives costs to seasonal highs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline inflation reached 34.80% in December 2024, marking one of the highest rates in recent years. The NBS attributed part of this spike to heightened spending during the festive period, as families and visitors rushed to purchase food, drinks, and travel essentials.
In fact, the Lagos State Government recorded that December 2024 generated a huge revenue boost of $71.6 million, making Christmas 2024 the most expensive holiday season in recent years. Research further revealed that $44 million of the revenue was from hotels, and $13 million from short-lets, as there were many people coming into Lagos, who needed a place to stay. From ride fares and hotel rates to market prices, almost everything surges as the demand overwhelms supply.
While some blame the returning IJGBs for fueling inflation, economists point out that the festive demand spike reflects a larger pattern, one where limited infrastructure and seasonal consumption collide. Still, it’s hard to ignore how the homecoming wave intensifies the energy (and cost) of Nigeria’s December.
Lagos: The City That Never Sleeps — Especially in December
From Victoria Island to Lekki, the streets come alive with music and laughter that often last till sunrise. Popular venues host Afrobeat stars and DJs, while beach resorts in places like Oniru and Ilashe turn into festive hubs.
However, with the fun comes the familiar Lagos chaos. Roads become choked with traffic, restaurant reservations vanish overnight, and transport fares climb steeply. The same energy that makes Lagos irresistible also makes it exhausting. Still, for some returnees, that chaos is part of the charm.
The Sacred Side of the Season
Beyond the nightlife and glamour, December in Lagos also holds deep religious significance, as the city hosts some of the largest religious gatherings in Africa during this period. One of the most notable events is “The Experience Lagos”, the world-famous gospel concert held annually at Tafawa Balewa Square. The 2024 edition, themed “Jesus Wins”, drew hundreds of thousands of worshippers and featured top Nigerian and international gospel artists. It is widely regarded as one of the biggest Christian music gatherings on the continent.
Other notable programmes include “Light Up Lagos Mega Crusade”, organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and the All Churches Crusade, which brings together believers from multiple denominations for days of prayer, music, and spiritual revival. These religious gatherings attract both Nigerians from other states and those from abroad, further swelling the city’s population and deepening the festive fervour.
Homecoming
The IJGB phenomenon is more than a seasonal spectacle. Each returnee represents a link between Nigeria and its vast diaspora network. Their presence not only boosts tourism and local business but also strengthens cultural continuity. So, when the planes land and the festive rush begins, Lagos transforms into more than just a city; it becomes a reunion ground. A living stage for stories of success, love, faith, and belonging.
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