#MoneyvsMe 22; A 29-Year-Old Lagos Detty December experience
Every week, TNT wants to know how people move money in and out of their lives. Certain stories will be challenging,while others will be extravagant. It will always show something new to learn.
MoneyvsMe 22; A 29-Year-Old Lagos Detty December experience. At 29, I considered myself financially savvy. I had a decent job in Abuja, a small emergency fund, and a savings account I was proud of. Life wasn’t perfect, but I was doing okay. Then December came.
My friends started hyping Lagos early in November: “You can’t do December anywhere else!” “The concerts, the vibes, the men!” At first, I resisted. Flights were expensive, accommodation in Lagos even more so, and I wasn’t trying to blow my hard-earned savings. But the fear of missing out got to me, and before I knew it, I was booking tickets.
I told myself I’d be responsible. I even made a budget. But Lagos in December has a way of humbling even the most disciplined.
The moment I landed, I knew this trip was going to cost me. The taxi from the airport to my friend’s place in Lekki was nearly double what I’d expected. “Fuel scarcity,” the driver said with a shrug. I hadn’t even unpacked before the spending started.
First, there was Afrochella, then Rhythm Unplugged, and by the time Wizkid announced his show, I’d stopped checking my bank balance. Each ticket came with additional expenses: a new outfit (because Lagos crowds judge), Uber rides (because no one wanted to deal with Lagos danfos), and overpriced cocktails at every venue.
Then there were the impromptu hangouts. My friends would text, “We’re at Shiro” or “Beach house vibes in Oniru,” and I’d join without thinking twice. Drinks were flowing, platters of seafood kept coming, and everyone was doing big spending energy. Nobody wanted to be the one calculating costs in a group full of “big girls.”
And let’s not forget the gifting culture. I couldn’t go home for Christmas without buying something for my parents and siblings. So, I hit the malls, swiping my card and convincing myself I’d make it all back in January.
The final blow came on New Year’s Eve. We rented a table at a rooftop lounge to watch the fireworks. The bill came, and even though we split it, my share was enough to make my chest tight. By the time I checked my account balance on January 2nd, my savings were gone. Not reduced—completely wiped out.
I flew back to Abuja broke and exhausted. January felt like punishment. My salary didn’t drop until the end of the month, and I had to survive on instant noodles and borrowed money. Worse, I had no backup for emergencies.
Looking back, Lagos Detty December was fun—maybe too much fun. I danced, laughed, and made memories I’ll cherish forever. But was it worth emptying my savings? Definitely not.
Lesson learned: next time, if I’m doing Detty December, I’m starting a “Lagos fund” in January. Because Lagos doesn’t just take your vibes; it takes your money, and it doesn’t give refunds.
