The Lagos State Government has cancelled the 2025 edition of the Greater Lagos Fiesta, the annual New Year’s Eve celebration held across multiple venues in the state. The announcement was made on 30 December in a statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Greater Lagos Fiesta cancelled and residents urged to pray
Traditionally billed as Countdown 2026, the fiesta usually draws thousands of people for live performances, fireworks and large gatherings that showcase Nigeria’s creative sector. In place of the festivities, Governor Sanwo-Olu asked Lagosians to devote the hour to personal prayers for Nigeria, Lagos State and their families, focusing on prosperity, effective leadership, peace, productivity and well-being.
“On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear State a happy and prosperous new year,” the governor said in the statement. He added that his administration is determined to work harder in 2026 to deliver for residents and urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony.
The official statement did not offer an explicit reason for the cancellation. Government communications framed the decision as a shift from public celebration to private reflection at the close of the year. The move will have an immediate impact on the events calendar, the live-music circuit and vendors who typically rely on the holiday for income.
Organisers and stakeholders in the creative and tourism industries noted the fiesta’s long-standing role in promoting Lagos as an entertainment and cultural hub. The event has been an important showcase for artists, a driver of informal economic activity and a draw for local and visiting audiences who attend free public performances.
Industry groups called for clearer guidance on any support measures for performers, event staff and traders affected by the cancellation. A spokesperson for a Lagos-based promoters’ association said many booked artists and crews had already mobilised resources for the scheduled shows and now face short-term losses unless the government or private partners intervene.
Local civic leaders welcomed the governor’s appeal for unity and prayer but urged transparency where cancellation affects livelihoods. “We support peaceful gatherings and reflection, but there should be a conversation about mitigating economic disruption for those who depend on seasonal events,” one community representative said.
Security, public health and budgetary pressures often influence decisions about large-scale public gatherings, though officials did not cite any of these as the reason in the statement. As Lagos enters 2026, authorities emphasised optimism for the year ahead and reiterated commitments to service delivery and development across the state.
The Greater Lagos Fiesta has long been part of the state’s cultural calendar, and its abrupt cancellation this year underscores the balancing act governments face between public celebration and other priorities. Residents were encouraged to observe the governor’s request for prayer and to welcome the new year with a focus on peace and productivity.
Key Takeaways:
- Greater Lagos Fiesta cancelled for 2025, announced by the governor’s office on 30 December.
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged residents to use the time for prayer and reflection for prosperity, peace and effective leadership.
- No explicit reason was given for the cancellation, though officials emphasised unity and optimism for 2026.
- The event’s cancellation affects tourism and the creative industry, having been a major free cultural celebration.
