FACTCHECK: Lagos Generates 54% of VAT but Receives Only 17%—Detty December Revenue Drops $72m

VAT Contribution and Allocation (2024)
Data from Agora Policy, based on figures from FAAC and FIRS, shows that Lagos State contributed N2.75 trillion to Nigeria’s VAT pool in 2024—representing approximately 54% of total VAT generated by all states. However, the state received only N460.11 billion, amounting to just 16.74% of its contribution .

This disparity is even more pronounced when contrasted with lower-contributing states. For example, Kano, with just N77.7 billion contributed, received N117.2 billion (150.7% return), while Imo, with a modest contribution of N4.38 billion, received N70.7 billion—representing a 1,613% return .

Economic Significance of Detty December

The festive “Detty December” period remains a major revenue driver for Lagos. According to Lagos State officials, the December 2024 festivities generated $71.6 million (about N111.5 billion), with hotels contributing over $44 million and short-let rentals adding over and.. Read . .More —