BBNaija Star Nina Slams Astronomical Airbnb Prices in Lekki: “You Must Be Raving Mad”

Reality TV star Nina has made headlines for her candid reaction to the jaw-dropping prices of Airbnb accommodations in Lekki, Lagos, sparking discussions across social media about the soaring cost of short-term rentals in Nigeria’s bustling city. Known for her outspoken personality and relatable takes on everyday issues, Nina took to social media to share her shock over the rates she encountered while booking a stay for an upcoming trip.

In a tweet that quickly went viral, Nina exclaimed, “It's ridiculous. Some places have the nerve to charge ₦700k per night. You must be raving mad.” She went further to reveal that she had paid ₦4.2 million for a 13-night stay at an Airbnb in Lekki, a figure that seems staggering even to her fans, who flooded her comment section with reactions ranging from disbelief to outright agreement.

Nina’s outrage was shared and amplified by fellow influencers and social media personalities, including travel enthusiast Leo Dasilva, who weighed in on the issue with his own experiences in Lagos’ premium neighborhoods. “Nothing is funnier than the prices of VI and Ikoyi apartments this December,” Leo remarked, highlighting the often surreal costs of short-term rentals during peak periods. According to him, some accommodations can cost upwards of $9,000 for just 11 nights, including taxes and charges—a figure that, when converted to Naira, makes even the most well-heeled Nigerian resident pause.

The discussion around Nina’s post sheds light on a broader trend in the Lagos hospitality sector, particularly in areas like Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi, where demand for short-term rentals spikes during holidays, festive seasons, and high-profile events. These neighborhoods, already synonymous with luxury living, have seen their Airbnb listings skyrocket in price, often pricing out even affluent locals. Many of these properties are marketed as “premium experiences,” boasting amenities like swimming pools, private security, gym access, and designer furnishings. While such features justify a higher price point to some extent, the gap between expectation and reality is causing a stir among travelers.

Nina’s revelation about paying ₦4.2 million for a 13-night stay has particularly ignited conversations around affordability and fairness. Social media users quickly pointed out that, for the same amount, one could book multiple nights at luxury hotels with professional service, consistent quality, and often, greater flexibility. Some critics have argued that Airbnb hosts in Lagos are exploiting the scarcity of quality accommodations during peak seasons, a trend they say is unfair to both locals and tourists. Others, however, defended the pricing, noting that running a high-end rental in Nigeria comes with costs such as property maintenance, security, and utility management, which justify premium rates.

The reaction from fans was swift and humorous, with memes and tweets circulating to highlight the absurdity of paying nearly ₦700,000 per night for a short-term rental. Many echoed Nina’s sentiments, describing the rates as “diabolical” and “unbelievable,” while others joked about how even billionaires might flinch at such prices. Amid the outrage, some users suggested that booking earlier in the year or choosing alternative neighborhoods could help travelers find more reasonable rates, a tip that seems increasingly relevant given the rising trend in rental inflation.

Leo Dasilva’s commentary adds further context to the conversation. As a well-known travel content creator, Leo has documented his own experiences navigating Lagos’ hospitality market. He emphasized that during December, when demand peaks, even hotels and short-term rentals can see prices surge dramatically. “You know some of you think it will be a sure thing, but you see hotels?” Leo wrote. “They will get more bookings this December, and you will have to reduce your prices.” His insight points to the fact that Airbnb hosts may initially price properties excessively high, anticipating last-minute bookings, but market dynamics often force adjustments.

The issue Nina highlighted also raises questions about regulation and consumer protection in the short-term rental market in Nigeria. Unlike traditional hotels, which are often subject to pricing guidelines and licensing requirements, Airbnb and other peer-to-peer rental platforms operate with less oversight. This allows hosts considerable freedom to set rates based on demand, location, and perceived value. While this flexibility benefits property owners, it can leave renters exposed to inflated prices, unpredictable availability, and inconsistent quality.

Moreover, Nina’s experience resonates beyond celebrity circles. Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi are not only home to expatriates, corporate executives, and high-income residents but also attract domestic tourists seeking modern, convenient accommodations. The rising prices are impacting everyone from business travelers to vacationing families, fueling a perception that the market is increasingly elitist. This has sparked debates online about the need for greater transparency, accountability, and perhaps even regulation to ensure that Lagos remains accessible to a wider audience.

Interestingly, Nina’s blunt expression of frustration has drawn attention to a subtle but growing cultural shift in Nigeria: the normalization of publicly challenging service providers and pricing practices. Whereas in the past, complaints about inflated rates might have been confined to private messages or whispered conversations, social media allows influential voices like Nina to amplify these concerns, sparking public discourse and, sometimes, action. It’s not just about luxury rentals; it’s about holding service providers accountable, demanding fairness, and ensuring that high costs do not exploit demand at the expense of consumers.

The conversation also underscores the importance of planning and budgeting for travel in Lagos, particularly during peak periods. Experts advise that travelers consider alternative locations, book well in advance, and compare Airbnb listings with hotel offerings to avoid paying exorbitant rates. In some cases, booking slightly outside the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods can yield significant savings without compromising on comfort or safety. Nina’s experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for better consumer awareness in the hospitality market.

While some may dismiss Nina’s reaction as another celebrity complaint, the widespread engagement with her post demonstrates that inflated Airbnb prices are a tangible concern affecting a wide range of people. The viral nature of her tweet, combined with Leo Dasilva’s commentary and the ensuing social media conversation, points to a growing awareness of the pressures and pitfalls of the short-term rental market in Lagos. As more travelers voice their frustrations, it’s possible that market dynamics will shift, encouraging fairer pricing practices and greater competition.

In conclusion, Nina’s candid take on Airbnb rates in Lekki shines a light on a persistent issue in Lagos’ luxury rental market. By openly questioning the logic of charging ₦700,000 per night, she has sparked a conversation that resonates with locals, tourists, and social media users alike. Her experience, combined with insights from travel influencers like Leo Dasilva, highlights the challenges of navigating a high-demand, high-cost market and underscores the need for transparency, fairness, and informed decision-making. As the holiday season approaches and travelers prepare to book accommodations, Nina’s warning serves as a timely reminder to think carefully, compare options, and question whether such prices truly reflect value or simply exploit scarcity. Whether this sparks broader change in pricing practices remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation around Airbnb rates in Lagos is far from over, and Nina has successfully put the spotlight on a topic that affects far more than just celebrity travelers.