By Obinna Uballa
Two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, over the weekend, tied the knot in lavish overseas ceremonies – a trend analysts say has deprived the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors of huge potential revenue in the region of about N8billion.
“The boost to Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality and foreign exchange earnings would have been enormous,” said Chidi Anthony, a lawyer and public affairs analyst.
Instead, Davido and wife Chioma Adeleke sealed their union in a $3.7 million Miami ceremony, while fellow music star Mr Eazi wed actress Temi Otedola in Iceland. For Nigeria, both were glittering missed opportunities.
Davido’s Miami spectacle last Sunday drew a guest list that could have sold out any Nigerian venue: billionaire Aliko Dangote, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Obi Cubana, Adekunle Gold, Teni, Zlatan Ibile, D’banj, among others.
The singer gifted his bride a $300,000 Richard Mille watch as they danced the night away.
Similarly, Mr Eazi’s ceremony at Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja Church was smaller but equally exclusive, with Dangote, DJ Cuppy, and close family in attendance. The Icelandic capital, not Lagos or Calabar, got the global attention and economic lift.
Analysts say such events are more than personal milestones but potential economic catalysts and could have injected at least N8.5 billion into local businesses, from hotels and catering to transport and security.
The multiplier effect from international guests, extended stays, tours, shopping, could have been far greater.
Instead, the revenue stayed offshore, part of a growing trend where Nigeria’s wealthy host major life events abroad. It mirrors the decades-long pattern of medical tourism that drains foreign exchange and leaves local systems underdeveloped.
Why? Industry insiders cite insecurity, poor infrastructure, unreliable service standards, and the perceived prestige of foreign venues.
“Insecurity in the East is the reason some families in the East bring their marriage ceremonies to Abuja,” said Anthony. “Same reasons could also explain why the super rich go overseas.
“But privacy is also a factor, overseas locations offer tighter control over media access and guest lists.”
But the consequences for domestic tourism are stark. Without marquee events at home, Nigeria loses opportunities to market itself as a safe, glamorous destination. In an age when Instagram videos and viral posts drive travel decisions, the absence of celebrity weddings on Nigerian soil is a branding failure.
Countries like South Africa and Kenya have successfully used high-profile events to boost their tourism image. Nigeria, blessed with natural beauty and a booming entertainment industry, is missing that chance.
Reviving iconic venues such as Obudu Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, and Tinapa Resort could help reverse the trend.
Public-private partnerships, tax incentives for celebrity events, and government-backed security could make hosting in Nigeria viable again.
Until then, Nigeria’s most famous cultural exports may keep taking their biggest celebrations abroad, and with them, the millions in tourism revenue the country badly needs.
