The federal government has announced the maiden Nigerian Foods and Culture Festival, set to take place on December 16 and 17 at the Cricket Pitch, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, as part of this year’s “Detty December” celebrations.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, during a media briefing in Abuja.
She described the festival as a landmark event aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and the vibrant talents of its people.
“The Nigerian Foods and Culture Festival is a celebration of all that makes Nigeria great—from our cuisine, music, dance, fashion, and art, to the creativity and talent of our people.
“We envision this festival as a gateway to national unity, inviting all Nigerians and international visitors to experience the best of our culture, ” she said.
Musawa emphasised that the festival reflects the ministry’s commitment to leveraging arts, culture, and tourism as engines of economic growth, job creation, and national cohesion.
She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of the arts and creative economy, praising the administration’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for the sector.
“Detty December is a well-known cultural phenomenon originating from Lagos, and the federal government is committed to providing full support to ensure the festival is safe, vibrant, and culturally enriching for all attendees,” the minister added.
Lagos was selected as the host city due to its longstanding reputation as a hub of cultural and creative excellence.
Musawa expressed hope that the festival would grow to become a premier cultural event, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
Jude Uwagbai, Managing Director of Irabor Creative Minds, which is co-organising the festival with the ministry, assured participants that safety would be a top priority.
“We are working closely with Lagos State’s Lion Building Police to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the festival,” he said.
The Nigerian Foods and Culture Festival is expected to combine culinary exhibitions, music and dance performances, fashion showcases, and art displays, highlighting the unique cultural richness of the nation while boosting tourism and the creative economy during the festive season.
