Lai Mohammed, Industry Leaders Back Standardization at Nigeria Food Summit 2026

The Nigeria Food Summit (NFS) 2026 successfully concluded its unprecedented two-day gathering at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on July 21-22, 2026, bringing together policymakers, government leaders, chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, development partners, regulators, students and food enthusiasts in a unified commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria's food ecosystem.

Held under the theme "Gastronomy in Nigeria: Journey to Standardization," this year's summit reinforced the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, quality assurance, policy alignment and industry-wide standards that will strengthen Nigeria's food systems, enhance food safety and consumer confidence, promote culinary tourism and position Nigerian gastronomy as a globally competitive industry.

Across the two-day program, the summit served nearly 1,000 individuals and recorded close to 800 ticket sales. The gathering included over 300 program participants - among them speakers, moderators, and panelists - as well as approximately 200 VIP guests, about 30 sponsors and strategic partners, and nearly 20 exhibitors representing food, agriculture, hospitality, technology, and related sectors.

Delegates participated in keynote presentations, fireside conversations, panel discussions, masterclasses, live cooking competitions, culinary demonstrations, exhibitions, networking sessions, business engagements, and the Nigeria Food Summit Awards. Together, these sessions explored practical pathways for strengthening every segment of Nigeria's food value chain while encouraging greater collaboration between government, industry, academia, and the private sector.

Delivering the Summit Welcome Address, Captain Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin, Chef and Convener of the Nigeria Food Summit, emphasized that the conversations initiated during the summit must now translate into measurable action.

“The conversations we have had over these two days must now become commitments. Standardization cannot remain an aspiration - it must become our collective practice. Building a globally respected Nigerian gastronomy industry requires collaboration across government, business, education, hospitality and every stakeholder in the food value chain. This summit is only the beginning.”

One of the summit's defining moments was the keynote address delivered by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Former Minister of Information and Culture, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation. Speaking on “Building Nigeria’s Food System: Standardizing Gastronomy for Power and Prosperity,” he challenged stakeholders to view Nigerian cuisine not simply as cultural heritage, but as an economic asset capable of driving tourism, exports, investment and national development.

“Standardizing Nigerian gastronomy is not a cosmetic exercise - it is nation-building work. Countries that succeed document globally, protect, regulate and intentionally promote their cuisine. Nigeria has every reason to stand alongside them. By building systems that protect quality, authenticity and our culinary heritage, we can transform Nigerian food into a powerful instrument of economic growth, cultural diplomacy and global competitiveness.”

The summit welcomed an exceptional lineup of speakers, panelists, moderators, facilitators and special guests representing government, industry, academia, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and culinary innovation. Distinguished participants included Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Emmanuel Fatai Audu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems; Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems; Jummai Abalaka, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PricePally; Chef TYB, NFS26 Culinary Director; Hilda Baci; Chef Eros; Oyinbo Olonje; Chude Jideonwo; Alhaja Abraham Oyinkansola of Honeycraft Foodies; Lucky Idike; and Dr. Shola Obikanye, Group Head, Agric and Solid Minerals Finance at Sterling Bank.

Participating industry groups included associations CAPA, RCBC, FTAN, APCN, APFSPN and REFSPAN, Slow Food Cooks' Alliance Nigeria, and other culinary and hospitality associations represented at the summit. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was also a critical contributor to the standardization conversation, with Ms. Nene Obianwu participating on the policy panel alongside other government and industry stakeholders.

Beyond thought leadership, the summit created meaningful opportunities for collaboration through strategic networking, business matchmaking, stakeholder engagement, cross-sector dialogue and partnerships designed to strengthen Nigeria's rapidly evolving food ecosystem.

A vibrant exhibition showcased innovative food brands, culinary businesses, agricultural enterprises, technology-driven solutions and hospitality service providers, connecting exhibitors directly with consumers, investors, policymakers and strategic partners while highlighting the diversity and commercial potential of Nigeria's food economy.

The success of Nigeria Food Summit 2026 was made possible through the support of an outstanding coalition of sponsors and strategic partners whose continued investment is helping to shape the future of Nigeria's gastronomy sector. Key supporters included Terroso Group, Terroso Agriculture, Sterling Bank, Nestlé, PricePally, Aurum Foundation, African Concierge Network, Awari and Lost in Lagos, Curate at Landmark, The Owambe Company, Mega Horeca, Blanche Aigle Communications, Cuisine Noir and other valued organizations committed to advancing Nigeria's food industry.

The Nigeria Food Summit extends its sincere appreciation to every speaker, delegate, exhibitor, sponsor, strategic partner, volunteer, media organization and attendee whose participation contributed to the remarkable success of the 2026 edition. Their collective commitment demonstrates that the future of Nigerian gastronomy will be built through partnership, shared knowledge and decisive action.

As the curtain falls on another successful edition, the Nigeria Food Summit remains committed to sustaining the momentum generated over the two days by driving continued dialogue, strategic partnerships, research, policy engagement and practical initiatives that will accelerate the standardization and global recognition of Nigerian gastronomy.

About the Nigeria Food Summit

The Nigeria Food Summit is Nigeria's premier platform dedicated to advancing conversations around gastronomy, food systems, entrepreneurship, innovation, policy, and sustainable industry development. Through strategic collaboration and thought leadership, the summit brings together stakeholders from across the food value chain to strengthen Nigeria's food ecosystem and position Nigerian gastronomy for global recognition.

Media Contact: Olamiji Pearse, Client & Account Manager, Blanche Aigle Communications On behalf of the Nigeria Food Summit 2026

clientmgr@blancheaigle.com +234 816 186 3357

Campaign Signature: Building Standards. Strengthening Gastronomy. Shaping Nigeria's Food Future.

[Sponsored]

Source: Legit.ng