With marbled walls, exposed bulbs, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, the bathroom at The Library nightclub in Lagos is less a restroom and more a photo studio. A cheeky gold-framed sign even teases visitors: “No selfies in the restroom… just kidding.”

In Nigeria, however, bathroom selfies are no joke.

From the buzzing streets of Lagos to the political corridors of Abuja and even Kano’s conservative nightlife scene, bars and lounges are transforming their restrooms into Instagram-worthy spaces—not just to keep up with global trends but also to pull in new customers.

Bathrooms That Sell Nightlife

AFP reporters found women’s bathrooms across Nigeria renovated with marble tiles, floral wallpaper, soft lighting, and oversized mirrors. At Zaza, a Lagos hotspot, the bathroom even comes with a quirky luxury: press a button on the wall, and a glass of champagne slides out of a hidden window.

“The décor plays a huge role, especially for Nigerian ladies. And we try to attract as much as we can,” said Johnny Franjeh, assistant general manager at Zaza.

The Social Media Effect

For many patrons, the bathroom is more than a pit stop—it’s a content studio. Women touch up makeup, adjust outfits, and capture videos for Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Multiple mirrors create endless angles, while mood lighting ensures polished selfies.

For clubs, the trend doubles as free advertising. Every shared photo—whether tagged or not—amplifies the venue’s visibility and reputation. Influencers, in particular, have made restroom backdrops part of their nightlife storytelling.

From Abuja to Kano

The phenomenon is no longer limited to Lagos. Abuja’s upscale lounges are following suit, while even Kano’s nightspots—where nightlife is more conservative—are making subtle design upgrades to encourage the same trend.