Facility Focus: Is Your Building/Estate Ready for “Detty December”? A Survival Guide for Landlords, Estate Managers, and “Ogas at the Top”

By Kenny Akintola

Summary: December in Lagos is not for the faint-hearted concerts, weddings, “I just got back” visitors, and endless traffic! But behind all the glitz is another story: the landlords, estate managers, and facility teams hustling to keep buildings running. This article is your all in one Detty December survival guide for property and facility professionals in Nigeria’s busiest month.

First, Small Confession

I know I’ve been MIA for a bit, my people life happened! Between managing sites, chasing contractors that disappear faster than NEPA light, and surviving Lagos traffic that moves slower than civil service approvals, I had to catch my breath.

But your girl is back refreshed, recharged, and just in time for Detty December!

You can already feel it: the smell of jollof rice in the air, the hum of generators warming up, and that unmistakable Lagos buzz. While the “I just got backs” are planning brunches and concerts, we the facility managers, landlords, and caretakers know the truth. This is the season of pressure, planning, and plenty wahala.
Because if your building no ready, Lagos December go show you shege.

1. The Visitor Tsunami: “Who Be This?” and “I’m Here for Aunty Bisi”
   Your once quiet estate suddenly turns into a family reunion. Cousins, in-laws, and friends you’ve never met are trooping in like it’s an open house. Before you know it, your security post looks like an Owambe red carpet.
   “Your security guards are tryers, but technology is your best padi.”
   i .Go digital: Let residents pre-register guests via an app. Forget paper logbooks that vanish in the dark.
   ii. Short-let owners: Use digital codes that expire after check-out. No more “I lost the key” stories.
   iii. Early reminder: One simple broadcast to residents “My people, December don come o. Abeg cooperate with security.” can save you from midnight quarrels.
2. Parking Wahala: When Your Compound Turns to Oshodi Bus Stop
   If you think you’ve seen Lagos traffic, wait until you see your driveway on Christmas Eve.
   i.Create overflow parking: Partner with a nearby church, school, or empty plot. Arrange a shuttle if needed.
   ii.Valet service helps: For larger estates or hotels, hire valet attendants. It saves both space and peace.
   iii.Mark & enforce: Paint clear parking lines, label zones, and for the love of Lagos don’t block the access road.
   “Blocking the main road in December? That one na sin wey no get forgiveness.” DONT DO IT!!
3. Pure Water & Pure Waste: How to Avoid Turning Your Estate Into a Landfill.
   December means “chop life” season and with that comes “throw waste.” Lagos during Detty December is the ultimate test of waste management.
   i.Extra waste collection: Talk to your PSP about more frequent pickups. Add extra bins near party spots and pools.
   ii.Turn trash to cash: Partner with recycling companies like Wecyclers or Chanja Datti. Those empty bottles and plastics fit pay small bills!
   iii.Educate residents: Share simple waste rules. When people understand the “why,” they cooperate better.
   “Instead of smelling like dump site, your estate fit even make small money from plastic.”
4. Light & Water Drama: When NEPA Goes on Holiday
   You know Lagos light e no dey respect season. When the generator packs up mid-party or the water tanks run dry, embarrassment no get part two.

i. Service everything: Test your generators, switches, and wiring before December madness begins. Don’t wait for DJ to shout, “Hold on! Light don go.”
ii. Backup water plan: Inspect your tanks and pumps. Keep your mai-ruwa (tanker guy) on speed dial.
iii. Stock up on diesel early: Buy before December price hike begins. E go save you stress and small change.
“Nothing embarrasses a manager faster than no light and no water when guests arrive.”

5. Noise Wahala: Balancing “Obelee” with “Abeg, I Wan Sleep”
   Detty December no mean Detty Estate. You must find that sweet spot between enjoyment and peace of mind.

i. Set clear rules: “Loud music ends by 2AM.” Firm, simple, and fair.
ii.Encourage courtesy: Remind residents to notify their neighbors before hosting parties.
iii.Be the diplomat: Your job is to manage peace, not scatter am. Handle noise complaints calmly no be every matter you go carry shoulder.
Your Last-Minute Detty December Checklist
Before Burna Boy drops his December hit, confirm say:
• Generators, ACs, and pumps serviced
• Security briefed and CCTV working
• Extra bins and waste pickup arranged
• Staff ready for overtime
• Residents informed about December rules
If all is yes ,congratulations! You’re officially Detty December ready.
Final Thoughts: Lagos Can Be Fun and Functional
Let’s be honest Lagos in December is a beautiful kind of chaos. But even in the madness, we can enjoy the vibe and stay organized. A clean, functional, well managed estate is part of the luxury not an afterthought.
So as we dance into the season, let’s give flowers to the real MVPs: the cleaners, engineers, and security guards who keep the city moving while everyone else is partying.

“Real luxury isn’t loud music it’s the calm efficiency that makes the fun possible.”
Till next time enjoy, do everything in moderation, and stay safe

Kenny Akintola is a property and facility management professional, chief facility officer of Express Business Support (EBS), and curator of the Facility Focus .