Although the 2024 festival season has come and gone, the memories remain for those who fully embraced their holiday experiences.
For Nigerians living abroad, the December festive period provided an opportunity for them to return home and celebrate the season with family and friends.
This group of Nigerians living abroad, who travel back home during the festive season, is often referred to as IJGBs (I Just Got Back) due to their return to Nigeria for the much-anticipated ‘Detty December.’
Recent data have highlighted the significant economic impact of the festive period, particularly through its attraction of Nigerians in the diaspora.
A study by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited revealed that between November 19 and December 26, 2024, Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) handled approximately 550,000 inbound passengers. Nearly 90% of these passengers were Nigerians living abroad, with most visiting for leisure and tourism.
Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, explained that the survey was based on data gathered from hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs.
IJGBs predominantly travelled from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, and South Africa.
According to the report, the top five destinations for IJGBs during the period were:
- Lagos
- Edo
- Delta
- Ondo
- Ogun
