KEY POINTS
- MasterChef Nigeria offers N73 million to its first winner.
- MasterChef Nigeria adapts the global Banijay franchise locally.
- The entries close on February 27, 2026.
Primedia, promoter of MasterChef Nigeria, is offering N73 million in prize money as it rolls out the first local edition of the global cooking franchise, positioning the show as a platform to elevate homegrown culinary talent and professionalise Nigeria’s food culture.
The competition, adapted from the internationally syndicated MasterChef format, will focus on amateur cooks from across the country. Organisers say the initiative aims to spotlight Nigeria’s culinary heritage while creating a pathway for talented home chefs to transition into the professional food industry.
MasterChef Nigeria Prize and Format
The winner of MasterChef Nigeria will receive N73 million, a payout Primedia describes as the largest ever for a Nigerian cooking competition. The inaugural champion will also become the first Nigerian to claim the MasterChef title under the global brand.
Tamara van Eeckhoven, managing director of Primedia Africa, said the programme marks a milestone for Nigerian television and creative industries. According to her, the show will highlight both traditional and contemporary Nigerian dishes, blending local inspiration with global culinary standards.
Furthermore, contestants will face structured cooking challenges designed to test technique, originality, flavour balance and presentation. Entries for the debut season have opened nationwide and will close on February 27, 2026. Organisers expect participation from a wide cross-section of home cooks, reflecting regional diversity and Nigeria’s evolving food scene.
Global Franchise, Local Focus
MasterChef Nigeria will air on DStv’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, expanding the franchise’s footprint into one of Africa’s largest television markets. The format forms part of the MasterChef brand owned by Banijay Entertainment, with rights for the Nigerian adaptation negotiated by Banijay Rights.
Kemi Omotosho, chief executive of Africa Magic, said the show aligns with the network’s strategy to invest in premium local content that travels across borders. She described the competition as an opportunity for aspiring chefs to gain visibility in a rapidly expanding food and hospitality sector.
Banijay Rights’ Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Sarah Mottershead, also said the Nigerian edition underscores the format’s continued international growth. Beyond entertainment, industry observers note that structured competitions such as MasterChef Nigeria can influence food entrepreneurship, culinary education and media representation of African cuisine. With a substantial cash incentive attached, the programme also raises the commercial stakes for Nigeria’s emerging culinary talent.
