How to Hire an Event Planner or Event Professional in Nigeria
A practical guide to hiring an event planner in Nigeria — fees, what to look for, how to vet vendors and why accreditation matters when a stranger handles your budget.
Whether you are a corporate organisation planning a conference or a family planning a wedding, hiring the right event professional is the single biggest decision you will make. This guide explains how to hire an event planner in Nigeria with confidence.
Planner, coordinator or manager?
Before you hire, decide what you actually need:
- An event planner designs the event and manages the whole process.
- An event manager runs operations and delivery, often for larger events or venues.
- A day-of coordinator executes a plan you have already made.
Choosing the wrong role wastes money. See event planner vs event manager vs coordinator.
What professionals charge in Nigeria
Most planners charge in one of two ways:
- A flat management fee for a defined scope.
- A percentage of the event budget, commonly 10–20%.
For very large corporate events, agencies may quote a retainer plus a management fee. Always ask what the fee includes — sourcing vendors, negotiating, on-site management and post-event reporting are different services.
Where to find vetted professionals
The safest source is a professional body with an accreditation gate. The EMAN talent board lists accredited professionals by speciality and location, so you are not choosing a stranger purely on Instagram. Read how to hire verified event professionals.
How to vet: portfolio, references, contracts
- Portfolio: ask for events similar in size and type to yours, not just the best-looking photos.
- References: speak to at least two past clients — were they on budget and on time?
- Contract: insist on a written agreement covering scope, deliverables, payment schedule and cancellation.
- Insurance and safety: for large events, ask about risk management and security arrangements.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay a large deposit "today" before any written agreement.
- No verifiable past events or references.
- A price far below every other quote — it usually means cuts that will show.
- Unwillingness to put terms in writing.
Briefing and onboarding
Give your planner a clear brief: goal, guest number, budget range, must-haves and deal-breakers. A good planner will come back with a plan, a timeline and a cost breakdown — and will push back honestly if the budget does not match the ambition.
Related reading
Ready to hire? Browse verified professionals on the EMAN talent board.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an event planner charge in Nigeria?
- Planners typically charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the event budget, commonly between 10% and 20%, depending on scope and experience. Some charge a fixed management fee regardless of budget size.
- Should I hire an accredited event planner?
- Yes, where possible. Accreditation through a professional body such as EMAN verifies experience and a commitment to a Code of Ethics, giving you recourse beyond a WhatsApp number.