GTCO Food & Drink Festival Boosts Access to Affordable Meals, Supports Local Food Economy

GTCO Food & Drink Festival Boosts Access to Affordable Meals, Supports Local Food Economy

Visitors to the GTCO Food & Drink Festival Holiday Edition are benefiting from increased access to affordable, locally produced meals as vendors report smooth operations and competitive pricing on the opening day of the event in Lagos.

With over 200 Nigerian-owned food and beverage businesses participating at no cost, the Festival has created a market environment where vendors can offer quality meals at relatively lower prices, free from the overhead costs that often drive food prices up at commercial events.

Food vendors on Day 1 reported strong patronage as customers explored a wide variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, ranging from roasted plantain and yam to jollof rice, smoked chicken, and street-style delicacies. Many visitors cited affordability and variety as key attractions.

Tolani, manager of Dundu Nation, said customer response had been encouraging, with some buyers returning after initial purchases. She explained that the Festival setting allows her business to serve popular meals at accessible prices while also promoting outdoor catering services to a wider audience.

The availability of affordable food is closely tied to the Festival’s zero-cost vendor participation model. By eliminating stall fees, GTCO enables small businesses to channel resources into food quality, pricing, and customer satisfaction rather than cost recovery.

Vendors also noted that efficient digital payment systems contributed to faster service delivery. With reliable PoS transactions available throughout the venue, customers were able to make purchases quickly, even during peak periods, improving overall access to food without long waiting times.

For many attendees, the Festival serves both economic and social purposes—supporting local producers while giving families and individuals access to diverse meals during the festive season.

As crowds continue to grow in the coming days, vendors and customers alike say the GTCO Food & Drink Festival is playing a vital role in strengthening the local food market, encouraging patronage of Nigerian businesses, and making good food more accessible to the public.