Lagos is home to top-tier clubs that offer exclusive access to influential networks, premium amenities, and a lifestyle tailored for the city’s elite.
According to zikoko.com, for the ambitious and well-connected, membership isn’t just about leisure; it’s a strategic move to influence, form partnerships, and elevate social standing.
But what does it really cost to be part of these exclusive communities? Here’s a look at the most sought-after clubs in Lagos and what it takes to join them.
- Lagos Country Club (LCC)
Located in Ikeja, the Lagos Country Club offers an inviting atmosphere for families, athletes, and socialites alike. Founded in 1949, the club is commonly regarded as one of the top sporting clubs in Nigeria. But it doesn’t just offer sporting activities; membership provides a chance to connect with some of Lagos’s most influential figures in a laid-back, exclusive environment.
Membership Fees: Ranges between ₦995,000 and ₦1,160,000 annually.
Exclusivity: You need two existing members to vouch for you to join.
Good for: Family-friendly activities, sports, and a relaxed elite social scene.
Who Gets In: From high-ranking military officers to seasoned professionals and business owners, this club demands success. Minimum age: 25 years.
How to Join: Purchase an application form for ₦20,000 and attend a screening/interview with the membership screening committee.
- Ikoyi Club 1938
A true legacy of Lagos, Ikoyi Club 1938 was born from the merger of two iconic clubs: the European and Lagos Golf Club. Located in Ikoyi, the club attracts some of the city’s most accomplished individuals, from senior government officials to senior managers in multinational companies. It’s about exclusivity, connections, and the privilege of spending your downtime around like-minded high achievers.
Membership Fees: ₦50,000 for the application form; ₦4.9 million annual fee.
Exclusivity: Requires two recommendations from existing members.
Good for: Swimming, lawn tennis, squash, golf, and other sports.
Who Gets In: Professionals with 10+ years experience, military colonels, senior managers in major banks or oil companies, and other high-net-worth individuals.
How to Join: Begin by filling out two forms — a white form (₦50,000) and a green form (₦100,000). Interested applicants can only obtain forms through an existing member who has been with the club for at least two years.
- Lagos Polo Club
If polo is your thing, Lagos Polo Club is where you belong. This exclusive club offers a thrilling sporting experience and the chance to mingle with the crème de la crème of Lagos society. With a membership of about 400 people and a waitlist of eager applicants, getting in is no easy feat. It’s the place to be if you enjoy the elegance of polo and the perks of a truly elite network.
Membership Fees: ₦2.5 million annual fee.
Exclusivity: Only 5% of members are women, and with a 70-person waitlist, entry is competitive.
Good for: Polo enthusiasts and networking.
Who Gets In: Polo players, high-ranking business leaders, and those looking to rub elbows with Lagos’s elite.
How to Join: The club’s application process is competitive. You’ll need to be nominated by existing members. It’s essential to know someone with significant connections within the club.
- Capital Club
Capital Club is located in Victoria Island’s business district and is designed for the city’s most influential executives. It’s more than just a social club; it’s where deals, connections and partnerships are formed. It offers everything from fine dining to global networking opportunities. Members have access to over 250 international clubs, allowing them to build a global network.
Membership Fees: Ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 annually, with a lifetime membership at $44,000 (payable in naira).
Exclusivity: The fees are high, but that’s to ensure only the most influential people are invited to join. It’s the networking spot for those looking to elevate their business game.
Good for: Global networking, exclusive events, and exceptional dining experiences.
Who Gets In: C-suite executives and senior professionals in high-powered industries, ready to network at the highest level.
How to Join: Applications are typically by invitation. However, you can apply directly through the club’s website and provide a professional biography that demonstrates your business influence.
- Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate
For those seeking both a golf lover’s paradise and a peaceful, upscale retreat, Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate provides a unique experience. The estate is a blend of serene living, sports, and luxury. Whether you’re hitting the greens, relaxing by the lakes, or connecting with other high-net-worth individuals, this estate provides a unique balance of leisure and networking.
Membership Fees: ₦2.1 million/year (individual), ₦3.6 million/year (family).
Good For: Golf enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious, serene lifestyle.
Who Gets In: Golf lovers who enjoy the exclusivity of a residential estate that combines sport and tranquillity.
Exclusivity: Affluent individuals, golf enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxurious, tranquil lifestyle away from Lagos’s hustle and bustle.
How to Join: You can apply directly through the club’s website. The process includes submitting your application and paying the necessary fees for either individual, family, or corporate memberships.
- Mìlíkì
Miliki isn’t just a social club; it’s a sanctuary for Lagos’ creatives, intellectuals, and anyone in search of a quiet, cool retreat from the city’s chaos. It’s a low-key yet exclusive space where artists, musicians, and thinkers come together to relax, share ideas, and connect. With events ranging from music nights to art exhibitions, it’s perfect for anyone who values art, culture, and intellectual conversation as much as business.
Membership Fees: $1,200/year for individual members, with a one-time $500 enrolment fee (payable in naira).
Exclusivity: A carefully curated membership base, largely composed of creatives, artists, and cultural leaders in their 30s and 40s.
Good for: Quiet, intellectual gatherings and cultural events.
Who Gets In: This club thrives on word of mouth, attracting those who are deeply embedded in Lagos’s cultural and creative scenes.
How to Join: Membership is generally by invitation, and the club relies on word-of-mouth recommendations. The best way to join is to connect with current members who can refer you.
- Gaia Africa
Gaia Africa is Lagos’s first and only women-only members’ club, focusing on empowering female professionals in the city. If you’re a woman at the top of your field, Gaia offers an exclusive space to network, learn, and grow professionally. It’s more than just a social club; it’s a platform for women to thrive in the world of business.
Membership Fees: Emerald members pay $2,000 for registration and then $1,000 annually. Ruby members pay $1,000 for registration and $650 per year subsequently (payable in naira).
Good For: High-level networking among women in leadership positions.
Exclusivity: Focused on women’s empowerment, Gaia Africa connects the most powerful women in Lagos’s business, finance, and social sectors.
Who Gets In: Senior executives and professionals at the top of their careers, focused on professional growth and empowerment.
How to Join: The process involves filling out an application form and being recommended by existing members.
Bottom Line
Joining exclusive Lagos clubs may be more about financial and professional investments than leisure. From Polo and golf to intellectual retreats and women’s networks, each club offers a unique blend of benefits, networking opportunities, and a ticket to the inner circle of Lagos’s elite.
Whether you’re looking to expand your business network, unwind, or enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, these clubs provide access to a world of possibilities. But exclusivity comes at a price, and only a select few can afford the cost of entry.
