In Naija, an event can go from lit to scatter in minutes if your top performer is stuck in Lagos traffic or your guest speaker suddenly cancels. Whether you’re hosting a wedding in Abuja, a concert in Lagos, a church program in Port Harcourt, or a corporate function in Ibadan, one thing is certain, your event schedule can make or break the day.

If you want to give your guests the ultimate experience and keep your brand’s reputation spotless, you must plan like a pro. At Shows.ng, we’ve covered enough events to know that timing is everything. Here’s how to avoid last-minute stress and embarrassing delays.

1. Start Early, Don’t Wait Till Last Minute

In Nigeria, delays are a normal part of life—traffic jams, flight rescheduling, unexpected rain, you name it. Once you lock in your event date, start contacting your guests immediately. The earlier you secure their time slots, the better your chances of working around unforeseen changes.

2. Confirm Their Availability Twice (Yes, Twice!)

Don’t assume a “yes” means “locked in.” Check again a few weeks before and confirm once more a few days before the event. That way, you can catch any sudden travel plans, emergency gigs, or overlapping commitments before they ruin your programme.

3. Put Everything in Writing

Verbal agreements are risky. Send an official confirmation email or letter stating:

• Date and time of their performance/speech
• Venue address and a backup contact number
• Agreed duration on stage
• Payment details (if applicable)

This protects you in case anyone decides to change terms last minute.

4. Stagger Performance Times

If you have multiple acts or speakers, create a 10 to 15 minute buffer between them. Nigerian events hardly start on time, so this breathing space keeps your programme flexible without stressing your audience.

5. Share the Final Programme with EVERYONE

Don’t just keep the schedule in your head, send it out via WhatsApp, email, or even print it. Ensure your MC, technical crew, ushers, and performers are all on the same page. One small miscommunication can cause a big scene.

6. Assign a Dedicated Liaison for VIPs

Have one trusted person on your team assigned to each big guest. They’ll manage arrivals, coordinate stage readiness, and ensure your guest is comfortable. For international or high-profile acts, this extra touch can make all the difference.

7. Always Have a Plan B

No matter how prepared you are, someone might still arrive late or cancel. Keep a backup performer, an interactive crowd activity, or a witty MC ready to fill the gap. A smooth pivot can turn a potential disaster into a crowd-favourite moment.

Conclusion

Event scheduling in Nigeria takes patience, clear communication, and the ability to adapt. But when you plan ahead, confirm details, and have backups in place, you create a flawless experience your audience will never forget.

If you’re serious about planning a stress-free event that runs like clockwork, visit Shows.ng, your one-stop platform for discovering, booking, and promoting events across Nigeria.