The organisers of the BBNaija reality television show have issued a fresh warning to the public over false claims circulating online that applicants are required to pay money to participate in the audition process for the upcoming season 11.
The organisers clarified that the entire audition process is free and open to eligible Nigerians, stressing that no payment is required at any stage of registration or selection.
In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the organisers described any message, individual, or platform requesting payment for Big Brother Naija auditions as fraudulent and urged the public to disregard such claims immediately.
They emphasised that the show has maintained a free and transparent audition system over the years and will continue to do so for the upcoming season.
“False Claim of Payment for Big Brother Naija Auditions. Any communication requesting payment related to Big BBNaija auditions is false and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
The organisers further reinforced that all legitimate information regarding the audition process is only available through official Africa Magic and Big Brother Naija platforms. They advised aspiring contestants to rely strictly on verified channels for updates, instructions, and announcements to avoid falling victim to scams.
BBNaija auditions require no payment and remain free, fair, and accessible to all eligible Nigerians. Rely only on the official Africa Magic and Big Brother platforms for accurate information about Big Brother Naija,” the statement added.
The warning comes amid increasing reports of fraudulent individuals and groups attempting to exploit the popularity of the reality show by circulating fake audition forms, registration links, and payment requests targeting hopeful contestants.
According to the organisers, such scams tend to resurface each year during the audition period, as thousands of young Nigerians seek opportunities to participate in one of Africa’s most popular entertainment shows.
They also urged applicants to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.
The statement appreciated the enthusiasm of fans and aspiring housemates, noting that the excitement surrounding the show is expected but must be guided by caution and awareness.
The organisers stressed that maintaining transparency in the audition process remains a top priority, as the integrity of the show depends on fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.
This year’s audition process for Big Brother Naija Season 11 has already commenced, attracting significant attention across social media platforms.
Online registration officially opened on May 16, 2026, and is scheduled to close on May 20, 2026. However, organisers noted that the portal may shut earlier than expected if the maximum number of applications is reached before the deadline.
Following the online registration phase, successful applicants will proceed to the physical audition stage, which is set to take place from May 22 to May 24, 2026.
The physical auditions will be held across three major Nigerian cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu, giving candidates from different regions the opportunity to showcase themselves in person.
BBNaija has remained one of the most influential reality television shows in Africa since its revival in 2017, attracting millions of viewers and creating a platform for young Nigerians to gain fame, influence, and career opportunities in entertainment and media.
Over the years, winners and contestants from the show have gone on to build successful careers in acting, music, influencing, and entrepreneurship, making the competition highly competitive and widely sought after.
However, the show’s popularity has also made it a target for scammers who take advantage of desperate applicants by demanding money in exchange for fake audition slots or guaranteed entry into the house.
The organisers have repeatedly warned against such fraudulent activities in previous seasons, urging the public to remain alert and only engage with verified information sources.
They reiterated that no individual, agent, or third-party platform has been authorised to collect money on behalf of Big Brother Naija for auditions or selection purposes.
As excitement builds for Season 11, organisers say their focus remains on delivering a fair, transparent, and engaging process that reflects the values of the franchise.
They also encouraged aspiring housemates to prepare adequately for the audition process and ensure they follow all official instructions carefully.
With thousands of hopefuls expected to apply, the competition for entry into the Big Brother Naija house is anticipated to be intense once again this year.
The organisers concluded by urging the public to stay informed, avoid misinformation, and report any suspicious activity related to the audition process.