How 4 Nigerians Are Budgeting for December

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Source: ZikokoMag

it’s an entire economy. It’s the season of Detty December plans, impulsive flights, weddings, concerts, and reunions after a long year of survival. For many, it’s the month where saving takes a back seat and enjoyment takes the wheel. But how much are people actually budgeting, and where’s the money going? We spoke to four Nigerians about their December spending plans — and what’s taking the biggest slice of their wallets.

“We’ve been working all year, so this December, our ₦400k is strictly for enjoyment.” — Zainab, 23

For Zainab and her group of friends, December isn’t about extravagance; it’s about reconnecting. “Every December, my friends and I make it a point to hang out, even if it’s just for a day,” she said.

The five of them met at university, but life has since scattered them — one’s in the U.S. for grad school, and the rest are juggling work, bills, and Lagos stress. “Last December, we spent an afternoon at Tarkwa Bay. None of us realised it’d be the last time we were all together,” Zainab recalled.

Determined to make new memories, the four still in Nigeria have planned two weekends of fun — one at a music festival and another at a house party. “We’re skipping the beach this year. Between the four of us, we’ve budgeted ₦400k, about ₦100k each,” she said. The money will cover tickets, accommodation, transport, and food.

They began saving in August, contributing ₦25k monthly into a shared PiggyVest account. “It feels like our little rebellion against the year’s chaos,” Zainab laughed. “We don’t even know which festival we’ll attend yet — just that it’ll be pure vibes.”

“I’ve worked all year without a single break, so spending ₦5 million on peace of mind doesn’t feel excessive — it feels necessary.” — Monsur, 42

After a year of non-stop hospital shifts, Monsur, a medical practitioner, is ready to exchange Lagos chaos for serenity. “I promised myself I wouldn’t spend another December on hospital floors or in traffic,” he said.

With his annual leave approved from December 8 to year’s end, Monsur’s destination is Nairobi, Kenya. “I spent a December in Rwanda two years ago, and it reminded me that peace of mind is worth paying for,” he explained. This year, he’s budgeting ₦5 million for three weeks — covering flights, accommodation, food, and experiences.

He also hired a travel planner for ₦250k to handle the details. “It’s worth it for the convenience. I told them I wanted a balance — some city life, some nature, and no Lagos-level noise,” he said.

Now that everything’s booked, Monsur is simply counting down. “After months of sleepless shifts, I’m choosing silence over sirens, calm over chaos. I don’t feel guilty — I feel free.”

“With eight guys splitting costs, ₦150k buys us raves, shortlets, and bragging rights.” — Malik, 26

For Malik, December doesn’t begin until he leaves Abeokuta for Lagos. “December at home is too calm,” he said. “So, from the 28th to January 2nd, I pack my bags and head to Lagos — that’s when the year truly ends.”

He and seven friends have a standing ritual: a five-day shortlet stay filled with raves, concerts, and chaos. “We rent a four-bedroom apartment that fits us all. Depending on the area, it costs ₦35k to ₦100k per night, so we each budget ₦50k for accommodation,” Malik explained.

By the time Uber rides, food deliveries, and event tickets are factored in, he spends about ₦150k total. “It sounds like a lot, but when eight people split costs, it’s not bad,” he said.

For him, Lagos is an escape — a brief taste of the fast life before heading back to quiet Abeokuta. “Those five days are sacred. The lights, the noise, the music till dawn — that’s my kind of therapy.”

“₦4 million for one week at Lakowe Lakes — my husband calls it love, I call it luxury well spent.” — Aminata, 24

For Aminata, December means reuniting with her husband, who works abroad and only visits once a year. “Last year, we stayed at a family apartment in Eko Atlantic. It was peaceful — too peaceful,” she laughed. “No shops, no restaurants, no vibe. We ended up staying indoors most of the time.”

Determined to switch things up, they’re booking a week at Lakowe Lakes Resort this December. “This time, we’re doing everything — golf, cycling, boating, yoga, archery,” she said. The resort’s amenities include a spa, pool, and even movie nights under the stars — an experience she’s particularly excited about.

At roughly $195 (₦280k) per night, a week’s stay costs around ₦2 million. “My husband’s covering everything, and we’ve budgeted ₦4 million in total for food, activities, and luxury,” Aminata said. “It’s our once-a-year splurge, and after twelve months apart, it feels deserved. I want to feel alive, not just rested.”

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