By Peter Egwuatu

One of the Co-founders of SRVD, Sughter Chichi, has said innovations in mixology and beverage services have the potential to attract investment and boost the nation’s economy and Gross Domestic Product.

In a statement, she said initiatives such as mobile cocktail services, training programmes for aspiring mixologists, and retail-ready pre-mixed drinks, new players in the sector are responding to a growing appetite for locally made, premium experiences that can compete with imported labels.

She said these efforts also open new export potential for Nigerian-made beverage concepts, aligning with broader government efforts to diversify non-oil creative industries.

“It signals the formalization of a previously informal sub-sector — one capable of generating jobs, supporting small-scale producers, and redefining urban recreation in Africa’s largest city. With hospitality, tourism, and events contributing an estimated 4% to Lagos State’s GDP, innovations in mixology and beverage service are beginning to attract investment attention,” she said.

She noted that SRVD, a Lagos-based initiative has come to represent a broader movement in Nigeria’s urban hospitality sector — one where drink-making is as much about experience and cultural expression as it is about the product itself.

“Sometimes people forget that drinks are supposed to make you feel good — not just buzzed. We want to create spaces where people connect, laugh, and share real experiences.

“Cocktail-making classes, pop-up bar installations, and mobile mixology services have become a growing part of Lagos’ weekend economy, attracting young professionals, event planners, and tourists seeking curated nightlife experiences,” she added.