The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to hotels, restaurants, and event centres across the state, cautioning them against increasing prices unfairly or cancelling confirmed bookings during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the warning on Monday during an interview with TVC News. He said the government would not tolerate situations where businesses abandon existing agreements with customers in order to secure higher-paying clients during the busy December period.
According to the governor, any hotel, restaurant, or event venue that cancels a confirmed booking or raises prices without a valid reason will face strict sanctions from the state government.
“This is unacceptable and will not be allowed in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. “If a commitment has been made, especially where deposits or agreements exist, it must be honoured.”
The governor stressed that such practices are unfair to residents and visitors who plan their celebrations and events well in advance. He noted that many people save for months to host weddings, end-of-year parties, and family gatherings during the festive season, only to be disappointed by sudden cancellations or unexpected price increases.
Sanwo-Olu warned that these actions not only cause hardship for individuals but also damage the image of Lagos as a major tourism and entertainment centre in Nigeria and West Africa.
“You are spoiling the name and reputation of our city,” he said. “Not only are we going to name and shame those doing this, the government will also come really hard on them.”
December is usually one of the busiest periods for the hospitality and entertainment industry in Lagos. The city attracts thousands of visitors from within Nigeria and from abroad for concerts, weddings, cultural events, and holiday celebrations. Hotels and event centres are often fully booked weeks or even months ahead.
Because of high demand, some businesses have been accused in recent years of cancelling earlier bookings to resell the same spaces at higher prices. Others have been reported to raise agreed fees suddenly, forcing customers to pay more or risk losing their reservations.
The Lagos State Government said it is determined to stop such practices this year. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been fully briefed on the situation and placed on alert.
He added that the ministry is working closely with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, to monitor hotels, restaurants, and event venues throughout the festive period.
According to the governor, any establishment found guilty of unfair practices will be dealt with according to the law. He said verified complaints would be thoroughly investigated, and offenders would face penalties, which could include fines, public exposure, or other sanctions provided by law.
Members of the public who experience cancelled bookings, breached agreements, or sudden and unjustified price increases have been encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities. The government assured residents that their complaints would be taken seriously.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the state government is already aware of some venues engaging in these practices. He said discussions have been held with some operators to warn them and ensure that such behaviour does not continue.
“We have had conversations with some of them already, and they know this is not acceptable,” the governor said.
The warning comes at a time when the Lagos State Government is working to promote tourism and boost the state’s economy through culture, entertainment, and events. In recent years, Lagos has positioned itself as a top destination for concerts, festivals, and nightlife, especially during the “Detty December” season.
The government believes that unfair treatment of customers could discourage visitors and harm businesses that operate honestly. Officials say maintaining trust between service providers and customers is key to sustaining growth in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Consumer rights advocates have welcomed the government’s action. They say many residents have suffered losses in the past due to last-minute cancellations and price changes, especially during peak periods.
Some affected residents shared experiences of booking venues months ahead, only to be informed days before their events that the bookings had been cancelled or that new charges had been introduced. In many cases, customers were left stranded, struggling to find alternative venues at much higher costs.
Under Lagos State laws, service providers are expected to honour agreements once payments or deposits have been made, except in cases where there are genuine and clearly explained reasons. Arbitrary cancellation or exploitation of customers is considered a violation of consumer rights.
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has the mandate to protect residents from such practices. The agency often steps in to resolve disputes between businesses and customers, and it has the power to impose sanctions on defaulting companies.
As the festive season approaches, the state government is urging residents to keep records of their bookings, agreements, and payment receipts. This, officials say, will help in investigating complaints and taking action where necessary.
Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos residents and visitors that the government remains committed to creating a fair and safe environment for everyone during the holidays.
He urged businesses to act responsibly and remember that their actions reflect on the image of Lagos as a whole.