In Nigeria, volunteers can make or break your event. Whether it’s a Lagos concert, a church crusade in Ibadan, or a tech conference in Abuja, having the right team behind you is everything.

The truth? Managing volunteers isn’t just about calling your church group or dropping a “Who’s free this weekend?” message in your WhatsApp broadcast. It’s about strategic planning, clear communication, and knowing exactly who belongs where.

If you want your event to run smoothly and have people talking about it for weeks (for the right reasons), here’s the ultimate Naija-style guide to managing your volunteers brought to you by Shows.ng, Nigeria’s number one hub for event listings and promotion.

1. Start with the Right People

Not everyone who says “I’m available” will be a good fit. You need:

• Punctual and reliable people – This is not the time for “African time.”
• Friendly and approachable personalities – They’ll be the face of your event.
• Quick learners – In case you need to switch roles on the spot.

Where to find them:

Use social media shout-outs, church groups, NYSC circles, or student union networks. The key is to find people who genuinely want to help, not just those looking for free T-shirts.

2. Group Volunteers According to Strengths

Not everyone should be on stage or handling cash. Assign roles based on skills and personality:

• Outspoken extroverts → Guest check-in, ushering, or crowd control.
• Tech-savvy individuals → Registration systems, ticket scanning, or live streaming.
• Detail-oriented types → Backstage coordination, VIP handling, or timekeeping.

Pro tip: During your first volunteer meeting, play a quick team game. You’ll immediately spot the natural leaders, problem-solvers, and team players.

3. Give Clear Instructions and Timelines

Never assume “they’ll figure it out.” Break down tasks and assign them specifically.

Example:

• “Chinedu — manage guest wristbands from 9 AM to 12 PM.”
• “Bimpe — coordinate food vendors, ensure arrival by 10 AM.”

Create a simple volunteer guide and share it via WhatsApp, email, or even voice notes. Everyone should also know who to report to.

4. Appoint Team Leaders

Choose one or two volunteers as coordinators. They handle small issues so you can focus on the big picture.

Make them feel special:

• Give them a badge, branded shirt, or walkie-talkie.
• Let them stand out — it boosts morale and authority.

5. Keep Volunteers Motivated

A happy volunteer is a productive volunteer. Show appreciation without breaking the bank:

• Provide food and drinks — Nobody works well hungry in this heat.
• Give certificates or social media shout-outs.
• Offer a transport stipend if possible.

In Naija, word-of-mouth spreads fast. Treat your volunteers well, and they’ll happily help again.

6. Debrief and Appreciate After the Event

Once the dust settles, host a short thank-you hangout or online call. Let them share feedback, suggest improvements, and feel part of the journey.

You can even:

• Ask for testimonials.
• Offer to recommend them for other gigs.
• Keep a database of reliable volunteers for your next event on Shows.ng.

Conclusion

Managing volunteers in Nigeria comes with its own quirks from Lagos traffic to last-minute changes. But with the right people, clear roles, and genuine appreciation, your volunteers won’t just work for you… they’ll become loyal ambassadors for your brand.

And if you’re planning your next big event, list it on Shows.ng, so more people (including your future star volunteers) can find and support it.