Wakanow Group Acquires NairaBox to Strengthen Its Footprint in Entertainment and Lifestyle
Wakanow Group, one of Africa’s biggest travel technology companies, has officially acquired NairaBox, a fast-rising lifestyle and entertainment platform in Nigeria. This move signals Wakanow’s expansion beyond travel into entertainment, lifestyle, and events, as it aims to create more connected experiences for its growing customer base.
Known for simplifying access to event tickets, cinema bookings, and lifestyle offers, NairaBox has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most trusted entertainment platforms. With this acquisition, Wakanow plans to integrate these features into its existing ecosystem, giving customers access to travel, lifestyle, and entertainment services in one place.
Group CEO of Wakanow, Bayo Adedeji, described the acquisition as a strategic step toward enhancing customer experience. He said, “We see tremendous opportunity in the intersection of travel and entertainment. This acquisition allows us to offer richer experiences — not just where people travel, but how they live, enjoy, and connect with culture.”
Adedeji added that Wakanow’s expansion strategy focuses not just on geography but also on entering new sectors that complement its core business. “Entertainment and lifestyle are natural extensions of our travel offerings. We believe this synergy will unlock new value for our customers and stakeholders,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, CEO of NairaBox, expressed excitement about the merger. He noted, “Joining forces with Wakanow marks an exciting new chapter for NairaBox and for entertainment in Nigeria. Over the years, we’ve connected people with the experiences they love — from concerts to movies. This partnership will help us scale that vision and bring travel and entertainment together in one seamless platform.”
Chikezie will continue in his leadership role during the transition, while Oluwatobi Samuel Andero, formerly with Oracle Experiential Marketing, joins NairaBox as Head of Business.
The acquisition adds NairaBox to Wakanow’s growing list of brands, which already includes Wakanow.com, Onburd.com, Kalabash54, Rommde.com, Pointview, and Trip Merchant Travels. This move further demonstrates Wakanow’s transformation from a travel agency into a broad-based lifestyle and technology powerhouse.
As part of its growth plan, Wakanow aims to preserve the innovative spirit and digital-first culture that made NairaBox successful. The integration process will be carried out gradually to ensure customers continue enjoying uninterrupted services while benefiting from new, exciting features in the near future.
