Lagos State is set to host the second edition of the Nigeria Beer Festival, between September 25 to October 1, 2018.

The annual event is being organised in partnership with beer brewers in the country and their counterparts across the globe to create maximum excitement during the week-long fiesta. It will climax with the Independence Day Mega Concert to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.

The festival, which promises to promote responsible drinking among drinking-age (which is 18 years and above) consumers at all its touch points, will be held at the Waterfront Bar Beach grounds, Eko Atlantic to give it a carnival atmosphere.

Industry analysts agree that Nigeria beer industry is growing with the recent investment of over 250 million US dollars by International Breweries Plc, a member of AB InBev. This huge investment is seen as capable of launching the company as a serious contender which will likely control a larger chunk of the market share in the future.

The company, which could not participate in the festival last year, is, however, set for a big outing this year. Other companies that participated last year include Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Campari and other entertainment providers.

Organisers of the Nigeria Beer Festival, On and One Events (001) Limited said Lagos State government, which is passionate about tourism, will provide massive institutional support, particularly security, emergency response and related logistics.

According to the organisers, part of the build-up to this year’s event will include a Beer Colloquium to find the nexus between the beverage, culture and entertainment.

General Manager of 001, Akinola Oluwaleimu, said the event will see Nigeria enroll into the league of Beer festivals around the world and boost the country’s tourism opportunities.

“Nigeria Beer Festival will be a carnival week of entertainment, sales and marketing and a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country and beyond with economic value for the brands and the economy at large,” he assured.

He added that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is expected to close the festival during the Independence Day Mega Concert that will parade an array of A-list Nigerian artistes,cultural spectacle and a display of an eye-popping firework.