The Nigeria Food Summit 2025 explored how Nigerian cuisine can become a global food destination, offering key insights into industry growth
The Nigeria Food Summit 2025 has reinforced efforts to elevate Nigerian cuisine to the global stage, bringing together chefs, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the nation’s culinary potential.
Held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, the event, themed “Making Nigeria a Global Food Destination,” aimed to highlight Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage while focusing on the future of the food industry.
The summit attracted top food entrepreneurs, chefs, policymakers, and culinary influencers, all eager to discuss ways to enhance the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s food sector.
Key figures such as Anjola Awosika, Chef T (Tolani Tayo-Osikoya), Hilda Baci, Ayo Bankole, and the Kitchen Amuse participated in engaging panel discussions about the evolving food landscape in Nigeria.
Among the notable speakers, summit convener Gbolabo Adebakin (Chef Gibbs) emphasised the urgency of positioning Nigerian cuisine on the global map.
“Nigeria’s culinary heritage is among the richest in the world, yet it remains under-represented globally. This summit is a call to action for food entrepreneurs, chefs, and policymakers to take ownership of our industry’s growth.
We must innovate, collaborate, and harness the full potential of our local flavours and agricultural resources to make Nigeria a true food destination,” Adebakin said.
The summit’s most significant announcement came from keynote speaker Kola Oyeneyin, who revealed a $1 million fund aimed at supporting food entrepreneurs and boosting the sector’s growth.
Oyeneyin emphasised the vital link between capital access and industry success, explaining that the funding would empower food businesses to innovate, scale, and compete internationally.
“The Nigerian food industry is brimming with potential, but we risk stalling its growth without the right funding structures. This fund empowers food entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and compete globally.
Investing in food is not just about business; it’s about securing the future of our economy and ensuring food sustainability for generations to come,” Oyeneyin stated.
The summit also featured a pitch-a-thon competition, where three food entrepreneurs presented their innovative business ideas.
Elizabeth Akinwole of Tblizs Foods emerged as the winner, receiving an array of prizes, including N1 million worth of business support, a trip from Torrista, branding services from Snappcode Productions, and advisory services from Food Business Consultant.
In addition to business discussions, the summit hosted hands-on masterclasses led by industry experts such as Anjola Awosika, Chef Miyonsea, Chef Tucker, and Chef TYB.
These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from Nigerian food history and molecular gastronomy to food styling and the farm-to-table culinary movement.
A key feature of the summit was the panel discussion on food technology, focusing on how automation could reshape Nigeria’s food industry. Experts debated the role of technology in food innovation during a session titled “A Fully Automated Food Industry:
The Future is Tech,” moderated by Uzo Orimalade. Additionally, the “Food Business Growth” discussions covered important industry topics, such as the history and future of the Nigerian food sector and how to sustain and scale food businesses in the country.
The ‘Chef’s Table’ panel brought together notable culinary professionals, including Chef Nick (Vice President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria), Chef Amaka (President of the Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria), and renowned Ghanaian chef Chef Ik.
The panel provided insights into the challenges and opportunities in the food industry, as well as how chefs and culinary organisations can contribute to its growth.
The summit also fostered collaboration with food sponsors like Eric Kayser, Celebrazioni, and Loaves and Nuts, all highlighting the richness of Nigerian cuisine.
Event sponsors such as Sterling Bank, Nestlé Pure Life, Glovo, and Maggi played a pivotal role in supporting the event and promoting Nigerian culinary culture.
The Nigeria Food Summit 2025 proved to be a transformative event, equipping attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary for industry growth while promoting Nigerian food culture on the global stage.
