The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to hotels, restaurants, and event venues against unjustified price hikes and the cancellation of confirmed bookings during the ongoing Detty December festivities.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed this in an interview with TVC News on Monday.

He said the government will no longer tolerate vendors reneging on prior commitments simply because they have received higher offers, saying that such illicit practices damage Lagos’ reputation as a leading cultural and tourism destination.

“This is unacceptable and will not be allowed in Lagos. “If a commitment has been made, especially where deposits or agreements exist, vendors must honour it. Cancelling bookings for higher bids undermines trust and hurts the image of our city.”

“If someone has booked a restaurant in the past four months and you have given a commitment that there is availability, why all of a sudden they are showing up, and you are saying something has changed because someone is offering a higher payment, this is not what we will accept or take in Lagos. You are spoiling our names and the reputation of our city.

“Not only are we going to name and shame people doing this, but the government is also going to come really hard on them,” he warned.

He noted that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have been fully briefed and are on standby to intervene.

Members of the public who have evidence of breached agreements, cancelled bookings, or sudden price increases after confirmation have been encouraged to report such cases. Authorities said complaints will first be investigated to resolve the issue, after which the full weight of the law may be applied where necessary.

He acknowledged awareness of some venues already engaging in these practices and said discussions have been held to prevent a recurrence.

As Detty December continues to draw thousands of tourists and entertainment seekers to Lagos, the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair, transparent, and welcoming environment for all visitors. (The PUNCH)

Update news