Small businesses reported sell-outs and rising customer demand at the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc Food and Drink Festival 2026, as the event delivered measurable outcomes in sales, brand visibility, and customer engagement for participating vendors.

Held at GTCentre, the three-day festival attracted large crowds, creating a high-volume marketplace where entrepreneurs could directly connect with consumers.

From First-Time Exposure to Real Business Gains

For first-time vendors, the festival provided both exposure and tangible results.

Thelma Briggs, founder of Kisses and Crunch, described the experience as transformative.

“The experience has been really good. It’s been a good turnout, and we’re getting to meet new people and show our brand,” she said.

Participating for the first time, she added:

“It’s a completely different experience, but it’s been amazing. I would definitely love to do this again.”

High Revenue, Strong Customer Engagement

Returning vendors also reported strong financial outcomes and customer interaction.

Bimbola said the festival offers significant economic value.

“It’s been simply amazing. It’s an opportunity to make really good revenue in a very short time,” she said.

She highlighted the importance of direct engagement with customers:

“We’ve had customers over the years, and here we get to meet them one-on-one. It’s also a great place to network.”

She rated the experience highly:

“10 over 10. It’s great for entrepreneurs, especially in this economy. It’s a big boost.”

She also praised the organisers’ support system.

“The planning is on point. They provide everything from POS machines to packaging materials. The support is excellent.”

From Uncertainty to Sell-Out Success

For some vendors, early concerns quickly turned into success stories.

Al-Aruudy said she initially worried about sales.

“At first, I was scared about whether I would sell.”

But customer demand exceeded expectations.

“We sold a lot on the first day, and by the second day, we had sold out. Customers kept coming back.”

Sales Growth Builds Momentum

Other vendors reported steady improvement across the three days.

Victor said sales increased daily.

“From the first day till today, it has been awesome. Sales improved from day one to day two, and we expect even more.”

He added that the platform brings together top vendors.

“The best vendors across Lagos are here. People who are not here are missing a lot.”

Visibility Turns Into Future Opportunities

Beyond immediate sales, vendors reported long-term business benefits.

A representative of Jypsie Ltd, Miracle, said customer interest translated into future opportunities.

“People are tasting the products, asking questions, and requesting our contact details.”

High Demand Meets Operational Challenges

At the Street Food Arena, vendors recorded strong turnout but noted infrastructure gaps.

Priscilla Innocent said:

“There are more customers inside than outside.”

However, she raised concerns about kitchen facilities.

“There are challenges with the hotness of the weather which affects the kitchens and patronage.”

Customer Retention Drives Value

For Cosmo Farmers Limited, success came from both new and returning customers.

Adedoyin Amosu said:

“We served both returning and new customers, and the outcome has been great.”

Consumers Power the Marketplace

Vendors’ success was driven by strong consumer participation.

First-time attendee Dapo said:

“I tried different foods, and they all met my expectations.”

She also noted that prices were affordable, reinforcing the event’s accessibility.

Why It Matters

The festival highlights key shifts in Nigeria’s business environment:

Direct consumer access is accelerating SME growth

Experience-driven demand is shaping buying behaviour

Free platforms are lowering entry barriers for entrepreneurs

For many businesses, the festival serves as both a sales channel and a growth accelerator.

GTCO’s Long-Term Vision

The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the impact extends beyond the event.

“It is always inspiring to see how these businesses evolve, expand, and carry forward the energy of the festival into their everyday journeys.”

What’s Next

As the festival concludes, the focus shifts to how businesses will convert this momentum into sustained growth and long-term customer relationships.

The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has called for stronger investment in workers’ welfare, skills and inclusion as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Workers’ Day 2026.

The organisation said sustainable economic growth can only be achieved by prioritising people, warning that symbolic celebrations must translate into real opportunities for workers.

“This year’s commemoration goes beyond celebrating labour; it serves as a reminder that sustainable growth and long-term development can only be achieved by investing in people.”

It added that access to opportunities, skills development and fair systems are essential to unlocking human potential and ensuring shared prosperity.

Why it matters

Nigeria faces persistent challenges including unemployment, underemployment and skills gaps in key sectors.

Analysts say partnerships that combine foreign investment with local workforce development could help bridge these gaps and accelerate industrial growth.

NCSP’s position highlights a growing shift—from labour recognition to labour empowerment as economies adapt to global changes in work and technology.

‘People drive every milestone’ — NCSP

The Director-General of NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, said workers remain central to Nigeria–China relations and economic transformation.

He stressed that behind every major bilateral achievement are individuals whose expertise and collaboration drive results.

“Every milestone in Nigeria–China relations is driven by individuals whose dedication and collaboration turn vision into measurable impact.”

Mr Tegbe also called for practical outcomes from discussions around labour rights.

“Conversations around workers’ dignity must result in tangible outcomes, including access to innovation, capacity building, and systems that enable meaningful contribution.”

Investment and industry impact

NCSP said it has secured investment commitments across several sectors critical to Nigeria’s economy.

These include:

Agriculture

Automotive manufacturing

Mining

Steel production

Energy

The organisation said these investments are designed to connect Nigerian talent with Chinese expertise, boosting industrialisation and job creation.

Industry observers note that such partnerships could improve technology transfer and productivity if properly implemented.

Industry and public perspectives

Economists say Nigeria’s workforce remains one of its greatest assets, but structural challenges continue to limit productivity.

Labour advocates also argue that beyond investment, there must be stronger enforcement of workers’ rights and fair wages.

For many workers, the key question remains whether high-level partnerships will translate into better pay, job security and working conditions.

What’s nex

NCSP says it will continue to promote partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and supporting inclusive growth.

It added that as the global workplace evolves, collaboration between countries must focus on people-centred development.

“We remain committed to promoting partnerships that improve livelihoods, empower communities, and support inclusive growth for a more prosperous future.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa has urged workers in Ondo State to translate ongoing government reforms into higher productivity and measurable economic benefits.

Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Akure, he said workers remain “central to national development” and vital to the success of his administration’s policies.

He added that Workers’ Day reflects “historic struggles… for improved wages, job security and social justice,” stressing that labour must remain a partner in governance.

“Workers are co-architects of development, not mere stakeholders,” the governor said.

Why it matters

The governor’s remarks come amid rising concerns about insecurity, unemployment and cost-of-living pressures across Nigeria.

The 2026 May Day theme  “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work” highlights how economic hardship and safety concerns are affecting workers’ productivity and livelihoods.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged these challenges, linking them to poverty and criminality, and outlined measures aimed at addressing both.

Security, jobs and economic reforms

The governor said the state had expanded security operations, including strengthening the Amotekun Corps with 500 new recruits and additional vehicles.

He added that inter-agency collaboration had been intensified to improve intelligence gathering and crime response.

On economic growth, he highlighted investments in agriculture, digital training, infrastructure and industrialisation as key drivers of job creation.

He also pointed to youth and women empowerment programmes, soft loans and technical education reforms as tools for reducing poverty.

Workers’ welfare and recruitment drive

Aiyedatiwa said his administration had prioritised workers’ welfare through prompt salary payments and cash-backed promotions, with no arrears outstanding.

He disclosed that about 4,000 workers had been recruited across sectors including education, health and agriculture.

He added that gratuities owed to retirees from 2018 and 2019 had been cleared, with a commitment to settle remaining arrears.

“Salaries and allowances are being paid promptly and consistently,” he said.

SUBEB recruitment controversy addressed

The governor also responded to complaints from applicants affected by irregularities in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) recruitment exercise.

He assured candidates issued fake employment letters that their appointments would be regularised.

“The affected applicants will be duly absorbed… following established procedures,” he said.

The SUBEB Permanent Secretary, Dr Abike Bayo-Ilawole, directed affected candidates to report to the board’s office for proper documentation.

Labour leaders react

Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ondo State, welcomed the government’s efforts.

However, they urged further action to address insecurity and economic challenges affecting workers.

Meanwhile, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, praised the administration’s reforms, citing improved welfare, promotions and recruitment.

He described the changes as “unprecedented within a short period” and called on workers to reciprocate through dedication and efficiency.

Federal perspective on workers’ challenges

Representing the Minister of Labour, Olanike Mogboruko said Workers’ Day remains a global platform to recognise workers’ contributions.

She warned that insecurity and poverty continue to undermine decent work, noting that:

“Insecurity disrupts economic activity while poverty erodes dignity and opportunity.”

She called for stronger collaboration between government, employers and labour unions.

Boards dissolved across Ondo

In a separate development, the Ondo State Government announced the dissolution of several boards and commissions following the expiration of their tenure.

Those affected include the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Local Government Service Commission, and religious welfare boards.

Education Secretaries across the state’s 18 local government areas were also affected.

Officials have been directed to hand over to the most senior administrative officers.

What’s next

The government says it will:

Implement minimum wage adjustments in state institutions

Regularise affected SUBEB applicants

Continue recruitment and welfare reforms

Expand infrastructure and healthcare projects

The effectiveness of these promises will likely shape public confidence in the administration ahead of future political and economic developments.