Lagos Hosts Unforgettable GTCO Food Festival, Elevating Nigerian Cuisine And Tourism To New Heights

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival Holiday Edition, which took place on December 20-21, 2025, at GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos, turned the metropolis into a gastronomic paradise, attracting foodies, vendors, and tourists from every part. This event made it possible for the community to come together, showcased the variety and richness of Nigerian food, and gave local businesses a chance to survive. As Lagos is still in the spotlight as the number one tourist spot, this festival’s triumph is a great advantage for the local economy and Nigerian tourism.

A Feast for the Senses: The Heart of Nigerian Cuisine

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival Holiday Edition was a celebration of the flavours that define Nigeria’s diverse food culture. From savoury jollof rice to crispy plantain chips, the festival offered a delightful array of dishes that had visitors lining up for a taste of Nigeria’s culinary heritage. Attendees were treated to a mixture of traditional Nigerian favourites and innovative fusion dishes, reflecting the country’s evolving gastronomic scene.

The atmosphere was electric, with food enthusiasts and tourists mingling, sampling dishes, and enjoying lively entertainment. Many attendees, especially those from international destinations, expressed how the event was an eye-opener to the depth of Nigerian cuisine. For first-time visitors, the festival provided a gateway to explore the vibrant food culture that Lagos is now becoming known for.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs and Promoting Nigerian Tourism

The festival not only served as a celebration of food but also as a powerful platform for local businesses. Vendors such as Sacks and Syrup, led by Amira Mohammed Abdulrazak, seized the opportunity to expand their reach, gaining exposure and attracting new clients. Abdulrazak, who runs a gourmet dessert company, shared her excitement, noting how the festival had provided invaluable marketing and networking opportunities. Her business had already participated in over 830 events, and this festival helped increase her visibility in a competitive market.

Other businesses like ChopsCityng, a popular jollof rice vendor, and Munchies After Dark, a fast food enterprise, also expressed their gratitude for the festival’s role in helping them connect with potential customers. For many of these vendors, the festival was more than just a sales opportunity, it was a stepping stone to solidifying their place in the growing Nigerian food scene.

A Boost to the Local Economy and Nigerian Tourism

One of the standout features of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival was its tangible impact on local tourism and the economy. As an event that attracts visitors from across the country and the world, it helped showcase the diverse offerings of Lagos as a tourist destination. With its world-class food scene, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage, Lagos is steadily becoming a top destination for international travellers seeking authentic Nigerian experiences.

According to festival attendee Bamidele Obende, who attended the event with his children, the festival served as an ideal way to introduce tourists to the variety of Nigerian food while contributing to the local economy.

Beyond the festival itself, Lagos’s hospitality industry also saw an uptick, with hotels and restaurants benefiting from the influx of tourists attending the event. The GTCO Food and Drink Festival’s success has set the stage for future editions, which are expected to attract even more international visitors, further cementing Lagos’s reputation as a must-visit culinary destination in Africa.

Building a Legacy: The Future of Nigerian Culinary Tourism

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival’s impact will be felt long after the event’s conclusion. By shining a spotlight on Nigerian cuisine, the festival has made a lasting contribution to the development of Nigeria’s culinary tourism industry. With each passing year, the festival is expected to draw more international tourists eager to discover Nigerian flavours and experience the warmth of Lagos’s hospitality.

As the festival continues to grow, so too will its ability to empower local businesses, elevate Nigerian food culture, and enhance the tourism landscape of Lagos. Many of the vendors, who reported sold-out booths and significant business growth during the event, are already planning to expand their operations and participate in more international food festivals in the coming years.

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival’s Holiday Edition has laid a strong foundation for the future, proving that food and tourism are powerful allies in boosting local economies and fostering cultural exchange. By investing in events that celebrate local heritage and entrepreneurship, Lagos is paving the way for a new era of culinary tourism in Africa.

A New Tradition in Lagos’s Cultural Calendar

The triumph of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival Holiday Edition has turned out to be a game-changer for Lagos, Nigeria, and its food tourism sector. Not only did the festival highlight the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine, but it also supported local entrepreneurs, contributed to the local economy, and established Lagos decisively as a top culinary destination.

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