By The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival Nigeria 2026 is entering its final preparations ahead of its second edition, scheduled for 27 to 31 October in Benin City, Edo State.

The festival’s Director of Corporate Communications said the event goes beyond celebrating food and culture. He described it as a platform for promoting heritage, food security, tourism, creativity, business, investment, youth development and regional integration across West Africa.

The festival will run under the theme, “African Foods, Cultural Heritage, Peace and Security for Sustainable Development, Tourism and Economic Growth.” Its approach centres on three principles: Heritage, Value and Opportunity.

According to the director, heritage represents the traditions and resources communities have inherited. Value comes from developing these resources into productive activities, while opportunity arises when the resulting products and services reach wider markets, investors and tourists.

The journey began with the first edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, before moving to Benin City for the 2026 event. The director said the change of location reflects wider participation and greater regional importance.

“Uyo was the beginning. Edo is the next chapter. And from Edo, the vision continues towards a wider West African audience,” he stated.

He added that West Africa has rich cultural resources in food, music, fashion, crafts and festivals. Benin City, known for the historic legacy of the Benin Kingdom and its bronze and brass craftsmanship, offers a fitting setting for this year’s celebration.

The director also highlighted the economic potential of cultural heritage, explaining that traditional recipes can inspire food brands, indigenous crops can become marketable products, and cultural performances can attract tourists.

“From farm to food. From food to market. From market to opportunity. African food is not simply something to consume. It is something to produce, process, brand, commercialise, export and build businesses around,” he stated.

An international press conference scheduled for 13 October 2026 at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja will introduce the festival to local and international media. Organisers will also unveil its programmes, partnerships and investment opportunities.