By Matilda Ikediobi

Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria, APFSPN, has lamented the persistent rise in food prices, saying fluctuations in the cost of food items and cooking gas are putting pressure on operators in the sector.

The association said the rainy season has worsened the situation, particularly for highly perishable commodities such as tomatoes, whose prices have increased in recent weeks.

They, however, called for government support in addressing the situation.

Addressing newsmen at a press conference held to disclose plans for the hosting of its inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members’ Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos, Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs Ibidunni Layade, said: “Food prices are fluctuating. The rainy season is affecting some food items. Tomato, which is very perishable, now costs an arm and a leg. Pricing is now a major concern for every food service provider. The overhead of someone on the Island is different from that of a person on the Mainland. The staffing needs of everyone also vary.

“Farm Support is coming to collaborate with us through sponsorship to enable us source products directly from farms so that it helps cushion the effect and prevents our prices from skyrocketing.

“How much was fuel last year and how much is it now? The same applies to our food. Look at gas. At the beginning of the year, a kilogramme was around N1,200, but it is now about N2,200. In the long run, prices will keep going up and down. Members of our organisation have been able to create a bandwidth to cushion the effect. We are looking to government to help us. Also, through collaborations with Farm Support, chicken suppliers and poultry operators to cushion the prices.”

Also speaking, President of APFSPN, Mr Tobi Fletcher, said the theme of the event, ‘The Business Behind the Plate,’ reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

He said: “Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 per cent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated. APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.”

Meanwhile, Events Director of APFSPN, Temi Adelana, said: “The event will commence at 9:00 a.m. with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote presentation by our guest speaker, and the formal induction of new members.

“We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.”

Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In a further demonstration of the growing relevance of the association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The guest speaker for the event is former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed. Also expected are Dr Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, and the Special Guest of Honour, High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, alongside other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected to attend, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.