Ticketing can make or break your event whether it’s a concert in Lagos, a wedding in Abuja, or a church program in Port Harcourt. But many Nigerian event organizers fall into the same ticketing traps that cost them money, reduce attendance, or create unnecessary stress. Here are common ticketing mistakes made in Nigeriaand how you can avoid them.

1. Selling Only Physical Tickets

The Mistake:

Relying solely on paper tickets sold at a few stores or churches.

Why It’s a Problem:

Physical tickets limit your reach. People in other states or even busy Lagosians may not have the time to visit ticket outlets. Plus, they’re easy to lose or forge.

The Fix:

Combine online and offline sales. Use platforms like Tix.africa, Eventbrite, or Paystack Tickets. These allow people to buy tickets with their phones and get instant confirmation. You can still print physical tickets for gate sales if needed.

2. Pricing Without Strategy

The Mistake:

Setting one flat ticket price without considering your audience or the value you're offering.

Why It’s a Problem:

You may end up overpricing and scaring people away or underpricing and losing money.

The Fix:

Use tiered pricing. Offer early bird discounts to drive early sales, then increase prices closer to the event. For VIPs, offer special seating or perks. Nigerians love value—give them options.

3. Not Setting a Ticket Limit

The Mistake:

Selling tickets without knowing your venue’s capacity.

Why It’s a Problem:

This leads to overcrowding, complaints, or even safety hazards. Events can get shut down by LASTMA, police, or local authorities.

The Fix:

Know your venue’s limit and set a cap on ticket sales. Your ticketing platform should track this automatically.

4. Poor Promotion of Ticket Sales

The Mistake:

Posting once or twice on Instagram and expecting tickets to sell out.

Why It’s a Problem:

Nigerians need reminders and incentives. With so many events happening, your audience needs to be convinced especially when money is tight.

The Fix:

Promote your tickets consistently. Use WhatsApp broadcast lists, influencers, Instagram Reels, and Twitter giveaways. Push early bird urgency: “Only 50 tickets left at ₦5,000!”

5. No Gate Management Plan

The Mistake:

Not planning for ticket verification and entry flow on the event day.

Why It’s a Problem:

Long queues, duplicate entries, or fights at the gate can spoil your event vibe.

The Fix:

Use digital check-in tools or QR code scanners. Train your gate team. For larger events, separate entrances for VIP and regular can make a big difference.

6. Ignoring Data After the Event

The Mistake:

Forgetting about your ticket data once the event is over.

Why It’s a Problem:

You miss insights that could help your next event. Who bought tickets early? Which ticket type sold most?

The Fix:

Review your ticketing report. See what worked and what didn’t. Build a mailing list from past attendees—you can retarget them for your next event.

Conclusion 

Ticketing in Nigeria doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a mix of technology, strategy, and planning, you can sell smarter and create a better experience for your guests. Avoid these common mistakes and watch your events run smoother and sell out faster.