Ola Akinwunmi
As Detty December approaches, the Lagos State Government is stepping up safety protocols to prevent accidents and manage massive crowds expected during the festive season. This move comes in response to lessons learned from last year’s overwhelming turnout and a narrowly avoided tragedy at one of the major events.
At the Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Omojola, revealed that the government is implementing a new strategy to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
“We had an influx of people from overseas. It was beyond our imagination,” Omojola said, referencing the 2024 festivities that tested the city’s emergency response limits. “The commission was literally all out, day and night, ensuring that people could come back from overseas, have fun, and be safe.”
According to Omojola, one high-profile event last year saw a stage collapse due to the surge in crowd size. Fortunately, emergency personnel responded swiftly, preventing serious injuries. The incident has since prompted a proactive shift in planning for 2025.
To address these challenges, Lagos is introducing tourism safety marshals—a new initiative aimed at reinforcing public safety through preemptive action. Experts have been enlisted to craft a strategic safety blueprint tailored for the city’s peak season of celebration.
“This enhanced focus on safety aims to provide both locals and visitors with a secure environment for celebration,” Omojola said. “It reflects the state’s commitment to public welfare during one of the busiest periods of the year.”
The announcement was part of a broader review of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations’ performance over the past year, held in commemoration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year into his second term.
Detty December, as it is widely known, marks a bustling stretch from mid-December to early January, filled with concerts, parties, and homecomings, especially by Nigerians in the diaspora. The season has become a significant driver of tourism and economic activity, particularly in Lagos.
By implementing new safeguards, state officials hope to ensure that the 2025 edition of Detty December is remembered for its vibrance—not for preventable dangers.
