Planning an event in Nigeria can be both exciting and overwhelming. From chasing vendors to managing guests and praying for NEPA to behave, it’s a real hustle. But if you’re just stepping into the world of event planning, especially in Nigeria’s fast-paced cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, it's easy to fumble the bag. These common mistakes have cost many rookie planners money, time, and even their reputation.

So before you plan your next event, read this. Here are 7 of the biggest event planning mistakes made in Naija and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating Nigerian Traffic

You tell guests to arrive by 4 PM, but by 6 PM, half the seats are still empty. Why? Lagos traffic. Abuja gridlock. Port Harcourt roadblocks. You didn’t plan for it. Nigerian traffic is a beast. Always factor in an extra 60–90 minutes in your schedule for both guests and vendors. Communicate clearly on your invitations not just “event starts at 4,” but also “seating starts at 3.” Choose venues that are central and accessible. And don’t forget parking, Naija guests don’t like wahala.

2. No Plan B for Rain

You planned a garden party in June. Beautiful idea until the sky opened up and washed everything away.

Naija weather is unpredictable, especially during rainy season (May to October). Always, and we mean ALWAYS, have a backup plan. Canopies, tents, indoor alternatives even if you don’t use them, having them on standby could save your event. No one wants to party in mud.

3. Poor Budgeting (Ignoring Naija Realities)

You plan your event with a tight budget, assuming vendors won’t change prices or that NEPA will cooperate. Rookie move. In Nigeria, prices fluctuate faster than fuel queues. Always add a 20–30% emergency buffer to your budget for surprises like generator rental, last-minute rentals, or even "area boys" demanding “settlement.”

Plan with margins. Hope for the best but budget for the worst.

4. Doing Everything by Yourself

You want to be the planner, decorator, MC, usher, DJ, and photographer all in one. Delegate. No matter how small the event is, you need help. Get volunteers, hire assistants, or work with trusted vendors. You can’t be everywhere at once. Divide the roles, and focus on managing the big picture.

5. Choosing the Wrong Vendors

You hired a decorator just because they were cheap or had a fine Instagram page. Don’t play with vendors. Always do your research. Ask for recommendations, check real reviews, and most importantly, get everything in writing. A signed agreement protects you in case something goes wrong. Remember, “cheap” can turn out to be very expensive in the end.

6. Ignoring Guest Experience

You focused only on decor and forgot essentials like chairs, refreshments, toilets, and sound quality. Nigerian guests love comfort. If the sound is poor or jollof doesn’t go round, they will talk about it sometimes more than the event itself. Always plan for comfort and convenience. From clean toilets to cold drinks, soft chairs to steady music guest experience is what makes or breaks your event.

7. Poor Event Promotion

You plan an amazing show or seminar, but nobody shows up because you didn’t promote it well. In today’s world, hype is everything. Use social media, WhatsApp broadcasts, SMS, and most importantly, post your event on Shows.ng.

Planning events in Nigeria is not beans. From vendors ghosting you to last-minute NEPA disappointments, the game is tough. But with proper planning, local street-smartness, and platforms like Shows.ng to help you organize and promote your event, you can avoid the usual mistakes and throw a show-stopping event.

So whether you’re a newbie planner or just organizing your first family owambe, bookmark these tips, plan ahead, and keep it stress-free.