Table of Contents
Table of Contents
December in Nigeria is more than just a month-it’s a vibrant season filled with anticipation and reunion. Airports buzz with activity as flights reach full capacity, suitcases brim with gifts, and the much-anticipated “IJGBs” (I Just Got Back) arrive in Lagos, eager to reconnect with their roots.
1) The Mental Currency Conversion Habit
One of the first things returning Nigerians notice is their automatic habit of converting prices into foreign currencies like dollars, pounds, or euros. This reflex, born from years abroad, can lead to amusing moments when friends simply want to enjoy local delicacies like suya without the mental math. Over time, most learn to suppress this instinct, allowing themselves to savor the experience without turning every transaction into a currency lesson.
What was supposed to be a quick 20-minute trip across town often stretches into hours. The roads transform into bustling marketplaces, with hawkers weaving through traffic, sleek SUVs jostling with danfos, and okadas darting through impossibly tight spaces. The cacophony of honking horns and the slow crawl of vehicles serve as unmistakable reminders that you’re back in Lagos. After the initial shock, you adapt-rescheduling plans, leaving earlier, and embracing the city’s relentless pace.
3) The Embrace of Nigeria’s Distinctive Heat
Stepping off the plane, the warm air envelops you like a thick blanket. For those arriving from colder climates, this sudden heat can feel overwhelming, akin to entering an uninvited sauna. Coupled with the dry, dusty harmattan winds, it quickly becomes clear that hydration is essential. Lip balm and breathable cotton clothing become daily essentials. By the second week, the heat fades into the background, becoming a familiar and comforting part of home.
Returning home comes with a unique blend of warmth and financial requests. Loved ones express joy at your return, often accompanied by subtle or direct financial appeals-from family members, friends, or even acquaintances. These “welcome back” expenses can accumulate unexpectedly, requiring a delicate balance between generosity and personal boundaries. Many returnees establish a modest “presence budget” and learn to decline requests gracefully, recognizing that time and companionship are valuable gifts in themselves.
5) The Unstoppable Energy of Detty December
For many IJGBs, the allure of December lies in the city’s transformation into a nonstop celebration. Lagos and other urban centers burst into life with concerts, beach parties, day raves, weddings, art exhibitions, food festivals, and spontaneous gatherings that often kick off at midnight. Calendars fill rapidly, and energy levels are tested as you hop from the mainland to the island, attend church services, and join lively owambe parties. Despite promises to rest, the magnetic pull of “just one more event” keeps the festivities alive well into the new year.
