The Managing Director of Travelden, a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings Ltd., Gbenga Onitilo, has cautioned that excessive pricing in Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment sectors could undermine the long-term sustainability of the popular Detty December tourism season.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking with aviation correspondents on Thursday in Lagos, Onitilo said many operators are exploiting visitors—especially Nigerians in the diaspora and international tourists—by charging exorbitant rates for accommodation, entertainment, and related services.
He noted that Detty December gained significant momentum in 2024, driven by a large influx of returning diaspora Nigerians. Their spending boosted local economies in Lagos, Calabar, Owerri, and other cities through remittances and increased patronage of businesses. However, he lamented that poor planning and regulation allowed widespread overpricing.
“Even facilities with available rooms placed their rates far above normal seasonal adjustments, with some tripling their prices. Some show promoters also set ticket and table fees beyond reasonable limits,” Onitilo said.
“Some operators increased prices by as much as six times the usual rates, assuming visitors would spend freely because they earned foreign currency. This is short-sighted and harmful.”
Onitilo emphasized that the lack of government oversight has encouraged profiteering, discouraging repeat and prospective visitors. He warned that tourists are increasingly opting for alternative destinations such as Ghana and Rwanda, which offer more predictable pricing and better-curated experiences.
He urged the development of a coordinated tourism ecosystem that integrates nightlife, transportation, shopping, entertainment, and accommodation. Onitilo also highlighted the role of airports in tourism, noting that Nigeria’s airports still lack several essential facilities that enhance visitor experiences.
