For cultural tourism to boom, it is important that there exist a deliberate policy and a concise plan to help push such an agenda. We should be looking at improvements in:
Infrastructure
Logistics & Accommodation
Safety and security
Other matters
That Lagos has become the center of all that is good about “detty december” is no longer for debate. What is a Lagos and indeed Nigeria doing to help make this cultural revolution a resounding success and a reference for all other states that want to attract world attention to their cultural activities, let alone be attracted to the “state of excellence “.
The experience of getting into and out of the only international airport in Lagos is at present very poor. It takes hours to get out of the aircraft, “work” through immigration and finally have access to your luggage. After getting your luggage, the main challenge starts. Getting out of the airport. The existing thorough fare was built in the ‘80s remodeled in the “00, but presently is not fit for purpose anymore, we must tell ourselves the truth. A lot of Nigerians have “Japaed “ and their return although exciting, the airport takes out a lot of the fun at both arrival and departure points. We can do better at this point, we should as a matter of urgency. It’s not easy getting in and out of the airport especially at “peak periods. FAAN, please address the congestion points, it does not speak well of all of us.
Logistics & accommodation.
Airfare, hotel cost and transportation generally. We clamor for Nigerians and foreigners alike to visit home for Detty December, but we have started fleecing ourselves, our own people. Cost of return tickets (local air travel), bad roads all around the country and the cost of hotel accommodation makes the experience almost feel as if Judas Iscariot lives in Nigeria. This is not good. We can and should do better.
Safety and security of life & property
During this period as well as every other time, there must be a conscious effort to make security as well as comfort for all and sundry a priority. If we cannot guarantee security for all persons everywhere and anywhere in Nigeria, the hype around Detty December might fizzle out. We need not only a show of force but security that is aided by the latest technology available
Other matters
The Ministry of tourism must make a deliberate effort to put out necessary information about Nigeria and interesting places and festivals that are available during this period and how to get the best experience out of same. Nigerians are global citizens, this word of mouth alone is not enough to drive this huge foreign exchange earner known locally as Detty December. We all can do bettter.
