How to Make Money from Parties in Nigeria: A Lecture by Gov. Fashola

Opening a business for mobile restrooms, or a venue-clean up service for parties in Lagos can make you rich. So says the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, noting that an estimated N36 billion is spent every year on merrymaking and weekend partying in Lagos. During the fourth edition of the Lagos Ignite Enterprise and Employability Project, the Governor said, “A study of nightlife carried out by the government in five local governments (areas) Agege, Mushin, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu and Ikeja, showed that about N3 billion was spent on 1, 555 parties held within the period.” “The figure was collated after a study of the cultural side of Lagos party life, putting the monthly estimate at N3 billion. According to this estimate, in 12 months, about N36 billion is expended on partying in the state.” “The study was done between October and November last year of 2012. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were taken as study samples for four weeks. In 12 nights, 1,555 parties were held in those local governments. In terms of drinks, food and all other engagements during such parties, about N1.2 billion was spent and when we disaggregated them, we saw how much went to DJ, MC, food and drinks.” He also said, uniform attires – aso-ebi – gulps about N1.2 billion monthly, and opportunity abounds there also. The Governor advised young people to take advantage of these parties by setting up businesses that provide ancillary services at such events.