Indigenous cuisines for showcase as Nigeria participates in WAFEST 2026...... Chefs call for enhanced regulations for food safety

Indigenous cuisines for showcase as  Nigeria participates in WAFEST 2026......

Chefs call for enhanced regulations for food safety

Delegates from Nigeria's six geo- political zones will be showcasing their indigenous cuisines as part of efforts to market the country's rich cultural heritage  as the West African  Food Festival (WAFEST 2026 ) , gets underway this week  in The Gambia.

Nigeria's participation in the continental cultural , culinary showpiece is part of efforts to connect young talents and representatives from over 22 countries across West Africa and beyond,  in creating a dynamic platform where nations will not only cook and compete, but also tell their stories through indigenous foods, beverages, traditional clothing, music, dance, innovation and gastronomy.

Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, President , Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Eric Merkwuye said The Federal Government will be using the continental event to  set  a remarkable celebration of the rich culinary heritage, cultural diversity, creativity and hospitality of West Africa. To drive this, an indigenous carrier : ValueJet Airlines has entered into partnership with ACPN to offer logistical support in ferrying the delegates under special fare  arrangement into The Gambia. According to Merkwuye , relevant agencies of the Federal Government, including : National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA),as well others bodies will be sending a huge delegation to create an opportunity for Nigeria to rewrite its leadership narrative in the cuisine and food ecosystem on the continent.

He said professional  chefs, culinary professionals, food enthusiasts, cultural practitioners, young talents and representatives and others will leverage the event  in The Gambia to celebrate one of the most powerful elements that connects  people , food and culture. This is just as Merkwuye called on the relevant agencies of government to scale the requirements for food safety in the culinary value chain. He said the government could step up its act in the certification to enhance global recognition for indigenous chefs. These, he said could be achieved through enabling laws and enhanced regulations as well as ensuring deployment of adequate resources for training of professional chefs in boosting training outcomes.

Hosted at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), The ACPN President said Nigeria's outing will offer it another opportunity to demonstrate its diverse cultural and traditional heritage expressed through its culinary offering to repositions its leadership status as the continent  curates its  recognition that West African cuisine is more than food it is history, identity, heritage, community and a living expression of her people. Merkwuye said : "Nigeria’s participation at WAFFEST Gambia 2026 presents a unique opportunity to showcase the extraordinary depth and diversity of Nigerian culinary heritage to an international audience. 

With Nigeria being home to hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, traditions and indigenous food cultures, the Nigerian delegation will bring to Gambia a culinary experience that reflects the richness of the nation's regions and communities."Through the Indigenous Country Cuisine Platform, Nigerian chefs will showcase authentic indigenous dishes and beverages, traditional cooking knowledge, locally sourced ingredients and the stories behind the food.

"The presentation will demonstrate that Nigerian cuisine goes far beyond popular dishes. It encompasses the foods prepared in our homes, communities and traditional ceremonies; the ingredients harvested from our farms, forests and waters; the cooking techniques passed down through generations; and the cultural meanings attached to what we eat.

"Nigeria's participation will therefore be both a culinary presentation and a cultural statement a demonstration of the nation's heritage through the hands, creativity and expertise of its chefs.

"One of the major highlights of WAFFEST Gambia 2026 will be the Indigenous Country Cuisine and Beverage Presentations.

Each participating country will have the opportunity to tell its culinary story through food and beverages, giving audiences an opportunity to discover the ingredients, preparation methods, traditions and cultural significance behind different West African cuisines.

"For Nigeria, this is an opportunity to place indigenous Nigerian food firmly on the international culinary stage.

"The Nigerian presentation can highlight the diversity of our cuisine from the rich culinary traditions of the South-South and South-East to the flavours of the South-West and the food heritage of Northern Nigeria.

Indigenous ingredients, traditional recipes, native beverages and culturally significant dishes will provide a window into the Nigerian experience.

"WAFFEST Gambia 2026 will also transform the festival grounds into a competitive arena where culinary professionals will demonstrate their technical skills, creativity, innovation, presentation and knowledge.

The competitions will include: Indigenous Country Cuisine Competition.  A celebration of authentic national and indigenous cuisine, where chefs will demonstrate the uniqueness of their country's food heritage. Jollof War . A highly anticipated culinary contest celebrating one of West Africa's most beloved dishes Jollof Rice.

The competition provides an exciting opportunity for chefs to demonstrate technique, flavour development, creativity and presentation while celebrating the different interpretations of this iconic West African dish. Vegan Challenge . A platform for chefs to demonstrate creativity through plant-based cuisine, showing how nutritious and exciting meals can be developed without relying on animal products.  ACA Chef of the Year . A platform recognizing culinary excellence and the professionalism, creativity and technical ability of participating chefs. Gastronomy Creation Challenge . This challenge will push chefs beyond conventional cooking by encouraging innovation, imagination and modern culinary presentation.  Barbecue Challenge . Chefs will demonstrate their mastery of grilling, seasoning, heat management, texture and presentation."

He went on : "A  celebration of precision and creativity, where chefs will transform desserts into visually appealing culinary works of art while maintaining flavour and balance. These competitions will not only create excitement but also encourage professional development, knowledge exchange and healthy culinary competition among chefs from different countries. Nigeria's participation is therefore an important opportunity to showcase the depth of the country's culinary heritage and the professionalism of its chefs.

From indigenous country cuisine and beverages, to traditional dressing and cultural presentations, from Jollof War and culinary competitions to masterclasses, food-safety education, youth engagement and creative gastronomy, Nigerian chefs will be part of a larger West African culinary story.

The Nigerian delegation will not simply travel to Gambia to cook. And above all, they will represent the belief that African cuisine deserves to be celebrated, documented, preserved, professionally developed and presented proudly to the world.

"As WAFFEST Gambia 2026 approaches, anticipation continues to build among chefs and culinary professionals preparing to converge in The Gambia.

From 15th to 21st October 2026, Banjul will become a meeting point for culinary talents, cultures and ideas from across West Africa.

It will be a week of cooking, learning, competing, networking, dressing, dancing, tasting, discovering and celebrating.

For Nigeria, it will be an opportunity to carry the rich story of its indigenous cuisines beyond its borders and to stand alongside fellow African nations in celebrating the continent's culinary identity.

"WAFFEST GAMBIA 2026 is not simply about who cooks the best meal. It is about preserving where our food comes from, celebrating who we are, learning from one another, inspiring the next generation and demonstrating the extraordinary culinary wealth of West Africa."Speaking at the event, Managing Director of ValueJet Airlines , Captain Dapo Majekodunmi expressed excitement over the partnership , saying the carrier holds dearly  the values of healthy culinary offering , especially for passengers on  board its flight. Majekodunmi said the partnership between the airline and ACPN will deliver global recognition as it flies passengers across its route network.