By Bolaji Okunola
Exhibitors at the ongoing Food & Beverage (FAB) West Africa exhibition have commended the Nigerian government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for their continued support and effective regulatory policies that enhance food safety and promote business growth in the region.
Speaking during the opening day of the three-day event in Lagos, Exhibition Manager, Brad Smith, representing event organisers BtoB Events, praised Nigeria’s policy environment and regulatory support.
“This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Nigerian government,” Smith said. “They have played a critical role in enabling us to host over 350 exhibitors showcasing their products and services to thousands of visitors. Nigeria has been incredibly supportive of our mission and vision, and we have no plans to move the hosting rights away from the country.”
He emphasized the importance of the platform in connecting international suppliers with local and regional partners:
“Our guests know this is a unique opportunity to meet hundreds of international food and beverage suppliers looking to build partnerships across West Africa. The last edition of FAB West Africa attracted record-breaking attendance, including visitors from neighboring countries like Ghana, Benin, Togo, Senegal, and Cameroon.”
Smith also lauded NAFDAC’s pivotal role in ensuring the safety and standard of all products on display.
“All foods imported for exhibition at FAB West Africa are NAFDAC-approved. The regulatory agency has done an excellent job in making sure unhygienic or substandard food is kept out. Working with NAFDAC has been one of the best decisions we’ve made—they’ve truly been a backbone for us as organizers.”
According to Smith, the show continues to deliver exceptional results, driving new partnerships, business deals, and unmatched networking opportunities.
In addition to Smith’s commendations, several international exhibitors—including U.S.-based IMEX PLC, Tropical Sun Foods, Venus Processing and Packaging, AL RHEA General Trading, St. Patrick’s Distillery, ITPC Lagos, and Hype Energy—also praised the organizers for creating a well-curated event that has helped boost visibility and build connections across the African market.