By Clement Abayomi
How safe is it to travel and celebrate the much-hyped Dirty December in Nigeria? No doubt, as 2025 nears its end and the new year edges closer, preparations are being made by people to “jet” into Lagos, Abuja, and other cities for festivities, but safety remains the question on the lips of many. Is Nigeria really safe to spend Dirty December?
In a recent travel feature on GoLodge, Richard Olorode answered the above question: “Yes, but with careful planning and awareness.”
Although, as he explained, the security situation in Nigeria is not in order, “some regions are far more stable and tourist-friendly than others.” Olorode identified Lagos and Abuja as “generally considered the safest for tourists,” while Ibadan, Enugu, Calabar, and Owerri are “relatively safe and known for hospitality, cultural heritage, and festive December celebrations.” However, he warned that in the Northern region, states like Borno, Yobe, and Zamfara are “currently not recommended for tourism.”
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Besides, travellers should check government travel advisories before booking flights. Olorode noted that “the UK Foreign Office, US Department of State, and Canadian Travel Advice websites regularly update their guidance on Nigeria.” As he explained, “most advisories encourage travel to Lagos, Abuja, and other Southern cities, while advising against non-essential travel to certain Northern states.” To stay safe, Olorode encouraged visitors to “create a day-by-day itinerary with backup options,” “book accommodations early,” and “avoid late-night solo movement.”
Nairaland Forum reported that visitors to Lagos to enjoy the festive period responsibly. Visitors are advised and encouraged to prioritise safety, “stay vigilant,” “use reliable transportation,” and “choose reputable hotels or guesthouses that have 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, and secure entrances.”
That is not all. Money safety, too, cannot be glossed over. As noted by Nairaland Forum, travellers should “carry cash in small denominations” and “avoid displaying large sums of money in public.” In short, visitors should consider using mobile or online payment apps instead of carrying large cash amounts.
Interestingly, research showed that the Lagos State Government has introduced new measures to assure safety. According to a report by ThisDay, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Omojola, revealed that in 2024, the state had “an influx of people from overseas”, far beyond expectations. He briefly recounted:
“The commission was literally all out, day and night, ensuring that people could come back from overseas, have fun and be safe.”
Further, Omojola announced the introduction of “tourism safety marshals”, explaining that “experts have already developed a strategic safety plan” designed to ensure stronger safety assurance.
According to him, the introduction of tourism safety marshals would “provide both locals and visitors with a secure environment for celebration,” an action that demonstrates the government’s “commitment to public welfare during one of the busiest periods of the year.”
Of course, these assurances are promising, but some are still skeptical about safety. For instance, on Instagram, a user identified as @bondgrounded sounded a warning:
“If you’re planning to come and spend your Detty December this year in Lagos, Nigeria, think about it again. If you’ve not bought your ticket… just think about it again. Have a second thought.”
He speculated that Donald Trump, following threats of invasion, might have taken over by the time travellers arrive.
“I don’t know what is going to happen. I pray it doesn’t affect the whole of the country,” he said.
While his claims are true, they are unfounded. In all, they cannot be dismissed as they remind us of Nigeria’s socio-political unease.
Away from this, vlogger Tia Taylor took a celebratory approach in an online YouTube video. She described Dirty December as “an entire month of parties, festivities, weddings and everyday enjoyment.” She also credited popular Nigerian musician Mr Eazi for popularising the term, noting that “Detty December has become the next biggest thing and everyone is talking about it.”
Taylor apparently maintained that Dirty December is cultural.
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“Regardless of who invented it, the tale of Africans going home for the holidays is a tale as old as Africans going abroad for work and it has become a huge deal,” she said.
To conclude, whether Dirty December in Nigeria is safe really depends on how well one plans and how wise one is. It is advised that you do your research, stay alert, and move smart. Everyone getting ready to party, explore, and feel the December vibe should remember that safety is not a deterrent or what stops the fun; it’s what makes the fun last.
