7 Things You Need to Know About GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2026
By Azeez Disu
Get ready for Nigeria’s biggest culinary celebration! The GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2026 is set to take centre stage on the May Day holiday weekend, bringing together food lovers, entrepreneurs, and families for three days of flavour, innovation, and community.
This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better, with a stunning new venue, exciting masterclasses, and countless opportunities for small businesses to shine. As Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of GTCO Plc,, puts it, “The festival is more than just a celebration of food; it’s a platform to foster enterprise, showcase talent, and bring people together through the universal language of cuisine.”
Below are the seven (7) things you need to know about the festival:
1. Mark Your Calendars
The festival is officially scheduled for the May Day holiday period, running from Friday, 1st May to Sunday, 3rd May 2026. This timing marks a return to its original roots around the 1st of May.
2. A Massive New Venue
The event will take place at the GTCentre on Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island. Covering an impressive 30,000 square metres, the venue is designed to accommodate the growing number of visitors and vendors.
3. 204 Free Retail Stalls
Demonstrating its commitment to promoting enterprise, GTCO offers 204 retail stalls completely free of charge to small and medium-scale food businesses. This year, the demand was unprecedented, with 6,000 entrepreneurs applying for a spot.
4. A Focus on Nigerian Culinary “Twists”
Masterclasses this year feature chefs renowned for blending global techniques with Nigerian cuisine. Attendees can expect demonstrations on how to incorporate local favourites like Zobo into sophisticated dishes.
5. Robust Support for Small Businesses
GTCO doesn’t just provide space; it offers financial pathways as well. Small businesses can access merchant loan support of up to 30 million Naira based on their cash flow, helping them thrive long after the event ends.
6. Family-Friendly Experience
The festival is designed to be enjoyed by all ages, with an expanded and well-equipped children’s play area. Organisers have focused on making this section bigger and more engaging for 2026.
7. Safety and Accessibility
Admission remains free for everyone. To ensure a safe experience, a comprehensive safety team will be on-site, including mobile police units, health and safety officers, ambulances, and a fire truck.