Lagos' nightlife economy generated an estimated ₦2.9 trillion in 2025, nearly doubling from the ₦1.49 trillion recorded the previous year, according to a new report by TAG by Oui Capital titled Off the Charts: The Afrobeats Export Economy.
Detty December drives record spending
The report reveals that Detty December 2025 alone generated ₦396.5 billion in just 55 days, underscoring the festive period's outsized impact on the city's economy. Restaurants, bars, and clubs earned more than three times the revenue generated by concerts and festivals, with walk-in spending at these venues accounting for ₦171 billion compared to ₦50 billion from ticketed events.
Diaspora visitors played a pivotal role, making up only 11% of Detty December attendees but contributing 55% of total spending. This highlights the growing appeal of Lagos as a global destination for Afrobeats and cultural tourism.
Afrobeats' global influence fuels growth
The report attributes the rapid expansion of Lagos' nightlife to the increasing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigeria's entertainment industry. Spending extends beyond music events into hospitality, transportation, dining, and tourism, creating a ripple effect across multiple sectors.
According to TAG's research, the real Detty December money isn't just concert tickets but also Ubers and dinners, emphasizing the broader economic footprint of the festivities.
Lack of official tracking
Despite the industry's rapid growth, the report notes that there is currently no official system tracking the full economic value of Lagos' nightlife economy. The estimates are based on TAG's proprietary field research and modelling, filling a critical data gap for policymakers and investors.
The findings suggest that Lagos' nightlife is not only a cultural phenomenon but also a significant economic driver, with potential for further growth if properly harnessed and supported by data-driven policies.
