Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Nigeria Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Nigeria Property Pack
If you are thinking about starting an Airbnb business in Nigeria, you are probably wondering whether it is actually profitable and what the legal requirements look like.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about running a short-term rental in Nigeria in 2026, from licensing and taxes to realistic revenue expectations and neighborhood performance.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data on Airbnb earnings, occupancy rates, and regulatory changes across Lagos, Abuja, and other Nigerian cities.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Nigeria.
Insights
- Lagos dominates Nigeria's short-term rental market with roughly 7,800 active listings, representing about 75% of all Airbnb inventory in the country as of early 2026.
- The average Airbnb nightly rate in Nigeria sits around ₦118,000 (about $82), but premium neighborhoods like Ikoyi and Victoria Island can command rates 50% higher during peak season.
- Nigerian Airbnb hosts face a unique cost structure where power (generator fuel and inverter maintenance) often represents 25% to 35% of total operating expenses.
- Lagos State explicitly classifies short-let apartments as "hotel facilities" under its HORC Law, meaning hosts must collect and remit a 5% consumption tax on all bookings.
- Detty December drives a 40% to 50% price surge in Lagos short-lets, with some Victoria Island apartments charging over ₦300,000 per night during the festive period.
- The typical occupancy rate for Nigerian Airbnbs hovers around 36% nationwide, but top-performing hosts with reliable power and strong reviews can reach 50% to 60%.
- About 80% of Lagos Airbnb guests are international visitors, with travelers from the United States representing the largest single group.
- One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments generate the most bookings in Nigeria because they match the dominant demand from business travelers and couples.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Nigeria in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is generally allowed in Nigeria, though there is no single nationwide law specifically regulating Airbnb-style rentals.
The main legal framework comes from state-level hospitality laws, with Lagos State being the most developed, where the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption (HORC) Law of 2009 explicitly covers "apartments for short letting" under its definition of hotel facilities.
The most important condition hosts must comply with in Lagos is registering with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and collecting the 5% HORC consumption tax from guests on every booking.
Operating without proper tax compliance in Lagos can result in penalties including 10% of unpaid taxes, accrued interest, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution with potential fines or imprisonment.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Nigeria.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Nigeria.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nigeria has no nationwide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb listings, unlike cities such as Paris or London which impose strict annual limits.
These rules do not differ by property type or host residency status at the national level, though private estates and gated communities across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt often impose their own restrictions through house rules or homeowner association agreements.
Many Nigerian hosts voluntarily set longer minimum stays (often 2 to 7 nights) to reduce turnover costs, especially generator fuel and cleaning expenses, rather than because of any legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Nigeria right now?
Nigeria does not have a "primary residence only" rule for short-term rentals, so you can legally Airbnb a secondary home or investment property in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or other cities.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can operate short-term rentals, though in Lagos they should treat the property as a hospitality business for tax purposes under the HORC framework.
There are no additional permits specifically required for non-primary residence rentals at the federal level, but building or estate rules may restrict guest stays in certain gated communities.
The main practical difference is that secondary home STRs in Lagos face the same hospitality tax obligations as commercial accommodation providers, while your primary residence would face the same rules if used for short letting.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Nigeria
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Nigeria right now?
Yes, you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Nigeria, and this is actually quite common in Lagos and Abuja where portfolio operators manage dozens of apartments and duplexes.
There is no maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Nigeria at the federal or state level.
Hosts with multiple listings should consider registering a business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to formalize operations, especially when employing staff or signing management agreements, though this is not strictly mandatory for smaller operations.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nigeria has no single nationwide short-term rental license, but Lagos State requires hosts to register with LIRS for HORC tax collection, and the Lagos Hotel Licensing Law technically applies to short-let apartments operating as hospitality businesses.
The registration process involves creating an account with LIRS, providing property details, and setting up the Eco Fiscal System (EFS) for automated tax collection and remittance.
You will typically need to provide proof of property ownership or a valid lease agreement, identification documents, and your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Registration with LIRS is free, but operators may face costs for EFS integration with their booking systems, and there are penalties for failing to register within 30 days of starting operations.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no government-mandated neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Nigeria, unlike Barcelona or New York which have formal geographic restrictions.
However, private restrictions are common in upscale gated estates across Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island in Lagos, and Maitama, Asokoro in Abuja, where homeowner associations may prohibit or limit short-term guest stays through estate rules.
These restrictions exist primarily because estate management bodies want to maintain security protocols, reduce noise, and preserve the residential character of their communities.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Nigeria compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Nigeria in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Nigeria is approximately ₦118,000 ($82 / €78), while the median nightly rate sits lower at around ₦101,000 ($70 / €67) because luxury listings in premium locations push the average upward.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Nigerian Airbnb listings falls between ₦50,000 and ₦250,000 ($35 to $175 / €33 to €166), with budget-friendly mainland Lagos apartments at the lower end and serviced apartments in Victoria Island at the higher end.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Nigeria is location, specifically whether the property is in a premium neighborhood like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, or Lekki Phase 1 versus more affordable mainland areas like Yaba, Surulere, or Ikeja.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nigeria.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the nightly price variation between Nigeria's most expensive and most affordable Airbnb neighborhoods can exceed 300%, with Ikoyi listings averaging ₦180,000 to ₦350,000 ($125 to $245 / €119 to €233) per night while outer Lekki or Surulere apartments might only fetch ₦40,000 to ₦80,000 ($28 to $56 / €27 to €53).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Nigeria are Ikoyi in Lagos at around ₦250,000 ($175 / €166), Victoria Island at approximately ₦200,000 ($140 / €133), and Maitama in Abuja averaging ₦180,000 ($126 / €120).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices that still attract bookings are Yaba in Lagos at around ₦55,000 ($38 / €36), Surulere at approximately ₦50,000 ($35 / €33), and Gwarinpa in Abuja averaging ₦60,000 ($42 / €40), and these areas still see demand from budget-conscious business travelers and local tourists.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Nigeria is approximately 36%, meaning the average property is booked for about 11 nights per month.
The realistic occupancy rate range covering most Nigerian Airbnb listings falls between 25% and 50%, with newer listings and those in less desirable locations at the lower end and well-reviewed properties with reliable amenities at the higher end.
Nigeria's occupancy rates are lower than mature STR markets like the United States (averaging 55% to 60%) but comparable to other emerging African markets, reflecting both market maturity and the challenge of consistent service delivery.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Nigeria is power reliability, specifically whether your property has consistent electricity through inverters, generators, or stable grid connection, because guests will leave negative reviews and avoid rebooking if they experience frequent blackouts.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Nigeria
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Nigeria is approximately ₦5,100,000 ($3,520 / €3,350), though this figure is heavily influenced by Lagos which generates significantly higher returns than other Nigerian cities.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Nigerian Airbnb listings falls between ₦1,500,000 and ₦7,000,000 ($1,050 to $4,900 / €1,000 to €4,660), with Abuja and Port Harcourt listings typically at the lower end and premium Lagos properties at the higher end.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki Phase 1 can achieve monthly revenues of ₦10,000,000 to ₦15,000,000 ($7,000 to $10,500 / €6,660 to €10,000). That means a well-managed two-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi could generate over ₦120,000,000 ($84,000 / €80,000) in annual gross revenue.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Nigeria.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical monthly revenue during low season in Nigeria is approximately ₦3,500,000 ($2,450 / €2,330), while high-season months can generate around ₦7,100,000 ($4,970 / €4,730), representing roughly a 100% increase during peak periods.
Low season for Nigerian Airbnbs typically runs from February through October, while high season peaks during "Detty December" (mid-November through early January) and sees secondary spikes around major events like Lagos Fashion Week in late October and the Lagos International Trade Fair in November.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Nigeria is between ₦900,000 and ₦5,000,000 ($630 to $3,500 / €600 to €3,330), depending on property size, location, and service level.
The single largest expense category for Nigerian Airbnb hosts is typically power, including generator fuel, diesel, inverter batteries, and PHCN bills, which can represent 25% to 35% of total operating costs in areas with unreliable grid electricity.
Nigerian Airbnb hosts should expect to spend between 35% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, which is higher than in markets with stable utilities because power and water reliability cannot be taken for granted.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Nigeria.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Nigeria ranges from ₦1,100,000 to ₦2,500,000 ($770 to $1,750 / €730 to €1,660), while profit per available night typically falls between ₦35,000 and ₦85,000 ($24 to $59 / €23 to €56).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Nigerian Airbnb listings is ₦500,000 to ₦4,000,000 ($350 to $2,800 / €330 to €2,660), with smaller mainland apartments at the lower end and premium island properties at the higher end.
Nigerian Airbnb hosts typically achieve net profit margins between 25% and 45% of gross revenue, which is lower than some international markets due to the higher operating costs associated with power backup and security.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Nigeria is around 20% to 25%, meaning you need roughly 6 to 8 booked nights per month just to cover operating expenses before generating any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Nigeria, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Nigeria versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Nigeria as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nigeria has approximately 10,000 to 12,000 active short-term rental listings across all platforms, with Lagos accounting for roughly 7,800 listings, Abuja contributing about 1,700, and Port Harcourt adding around 150.
This represents continued growth from previous years, with Lagos alone seeing listing increases of over 40% between 2018 and 2022, though the growth rate has moderated as the market matures and some operators exit due to oversupply concerns in premium neighborhoods.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Nigeria are Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos, along with Wuse 2, Maitama, and Jabi in Abuja, where supply has grown faster than demand can absorb.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine the highest visibility among international travelers, the strongest infrastructure (relatively reliable power and security), and the most active property development pipelines targeting the short-let market specifically.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities for new hosts include Ikeja GRA and Maryland in Lagos (strong business traveler demand but fewer premium listings), Gwarinpa in Abuja (growing middle-class residential area), and emerging cities like Ibadan, Enugu, and Calabar where first-mover advantages still exist.
What local events spike demand in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Nigeria are Detty December festivities (mid-November through early January), Lagos International Trade Fair (November), Lagos Fashion Week (late October), ART X Lagos (early November), and major concerts featuring international and Nigerian artists throughout the year.
During these peak events, bookings can increase by 40% to 60% compared to regular months, while nightly rates often surge by 50% to 100%, with Detty December seeing the most dramatic price increases where Victoria Island apartments can triple their normal rates.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 2 to 3 months before major events to capture early bookers, and smart operators actually block their December calendars until they can set optimal festive pricing rather than accepting early bookings at lower rates.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Nigeria achieve occupancy rates of 50% to 60%, meaning their properties are booked 15 to 18 nights per month consistently.
This compares to average hosts who typically see occupancy rates around 36%, translating to roughly 11 booked nights per month, which means top performers can earn nearly twice as much revenue from the same property.
New hosts in Nigeria typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, with the timeline depending heavily on how quickly they accumulate positive reviews, optimize their listings with professional photos, and establish reliable power and service delivery.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nigeria.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Nigeria right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Nigeria is ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 ($56 to $105 / €53 to €100), which represents the "executive apartment" segment targeting business travelers and mid-range tourists in Lagos and Abuja.
The most crowded price points where competition is fiercest are around ₦100,000 to ₦120,000 ($70 to $84 / €67 to €80) per night, while white space opportunities exist at the budget end below ₦60,000 ($42 / €40) for quality mainland listings and at the premium end above ₦300,000 ($210 / €200) for truly differentiated luxury experiences.
New hosts can successfully compete in underserved segments by offering power reliability guarantees (marketing your inverter capacity and backup systems), family-ready amenities (proper kitchens, child-safe features, washing machines), or work-optimized spaces (dedicated desks, high-speed fiber internet, ergonomic chairs) that justify either budget value or premium pricing.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Nigeria
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Nigeria right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Nigeria as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units get the most bookings in Nigeria, representing approximately 60% to 70% of all successful reservations across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Nigeria shows studios at around 10%, one-bedrooms at approximately 35%, two-bedrooms at about 30%, and three-bedroom-plus units at roughly 25% of total bookings.
One and two-bedroom apartments perform best in Nigeria specifically because the dominant guest profiles are business travelers (often solo or with one colleague) and couples, who need comfortable space but do not require family-sized accommodation, and these guests book more frequently throughout the year rather than only during peak holiday periods.
What property type performs best in Nigeria in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-managed serviced apartments perform best for Airbnb in Nigeria, followed by standard apartments in secure buildings, then townhouses and duplexes in gated estates, with detached villas generating higher per-booking revenue but lower overall occupancy.
Occupancy rates across property types in Nigeria show serviced apartments averaging 40% to 45%, standard apartments at 35% to 40%, townhouses and duplexes at 30% to 35%, and detached houses and villas at 25% to 30%.
Serviced apartments outperform in Nigeria because they offer the most consistent guest experience with professional management, standardized amenities, reliable power backup, and easier maintenance, which addresses the core concerns international guests have about staying in Nigerian short-term rentals.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Nigeria, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) | It is Nigeria's official source for reference exchange rates used in all formal financial transactions. | We used CBN rates to convert all USD-based STR metrics into naira. We anchored January 2026 figures using the official rate of approximately ₦1,430 per dollar. |
| AirDNA Lagos | AirDNA is the most widely used STR analytics provider with transparent methodology and comprehensive listing data. | We used AirDNA for Lagos occupancy rates (39%), ADR ($89.5), monthly revenue ($4,074), and listing counts (7,789). This forms the foundation of our quantitative analysis. |
| AirDNA Abuja | It provides consistent, comparable STR market metrics using the same methodology as Lagos data. | We used AirDNA Abuja data to avoid Lagos-only bias in our national estimates. Abuja shows 26% occupancy, $58 ADR, and 1,708 listings. |
| AirDNA Port Harcourt | It is one of the few consistent public datasets for Port Harcourt's short-term rental market. | We used this as a third-city check to validate national averages. Port Harcourt shows 29% occupancy and 146 active listings. |
| Lagos HORC Law (2009) | It is the primary legal text establishing Lagos State's hospitality consumption tax framework. | We used this to confirm the 5% tax rate and verify that "apartments for short letting" fall under the hotel definition for compliance purposes. |
| Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) | It is the official Lagos tax authority responsible for HORC enforcement and collection. | We used LIRS notices and EFS documentation to validate that HORC remains actively enforced and to explain registration requirements for hosts. |
| Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) | It is Nigeria's official corporate registry for all business registrations. | We used CAC guidance to explain business registration basics for hosts operating at scale or employing staff. |
| Knight Frank Lagos Market Update | Knight Frank is a globally recognized real estate advisory firm with formal research standards. | We used this report to identify where premium residential supply clusters in Lagos and to validate neighborhood-level demand patterns. |
| Mondaq | It provides professional legal analysis from qualified practitioners on Nigerian tax matters. | We used Mondaq's analysis to cross-check our interpretation of HORC requirements and penalties for non-compliance. |
| PwC Nigeria | PwC is a major global audit and tax firm providing authoritative guidance on Nigerian tax rules. | We used PwC's VAT Order summary to explain federal tax obligations and cross-check against KPMG's interpretation. |
| Nairametrics | It is a leading Nigerian business and finance publication with detailed market reporting. | We used Nairametrics coverage to document Detty December pricing behavior and seasonal demand patterns specific to Nigerian STRs. |
| Lagos Chamber of Commerce | It is the official organizer of major Lagos business events with verified event dates. | We used this source to verify Lagos International Trade Fair dates and support our analysis of event-driven demand spikes. |
| Airbtics | It provides specialized STR analytics with detailed Lagos market breakdowns. | We used Airbtics data showing 45% median occupancy and $68 ADR in Lagos to validate and cross-check AirDNA figures. |
| BusinessDay Nigeria | It is a respected Nigerian business publication covering real estate and hospitality trends. | We used BusinessDay reporting to understand market growth trends, emerging cities, and industry challenges facing Nigerian STR operators. |
| Nigeria Property Centre | It is a major Nigerian property listing platform with current market pricing data. | We used live listings to validate neighborhood pricing and verify current nightly rates across different Lagos areas. |
| National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) | It is Nigeria's official statistics agency providing inflation and economic data. | We used NBS data to frame operating cost pressures and ensure our expense estimates reflect current economic conditions. |
| LodgeCompliance | It provides comprehensive short-term rental regulatory summaries across global markets. | We used this resource to verify Nigeria's regulatory landscape and confirm the absence of nationwide STR-specific legislation. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Nigeria. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.