In an attempt to strengthen home cooking for healthy living, Primedia, the promoters of MasterChef Nigeria, is betting N73 million in prize money for its maiden homemade cooking competition in Nigeria.
The initiative is the local adaptation of the world’s reality television cooking show, aimed at transforming the Nigerian culinary landscape and the lives of passionate home cooks who dream of taking their creative flair in the kitchen to the next level.
“MasterChef Nigeria is a major Nigerian television milestone that will celebrate the country’s exquisite cuisine, innovative food culture and vibrant culinary traditions as never before,” Tamara van Eeckhoven, managing director, Primedia Africa, said in a statement.
According to Eeckhoven, the initiative will also help in unearthing, mentoring and nurturing talent with the potential to become Nigeria’s next generation of distinguished chefs. “The winner of MasterChef Nigeria will scoop a staggering N73 million and make history as the world’s first-ever Nigerian MasterChef.”
Eeckhoven added that contestants will prepare both traditional and contemporary dishes, throughout the season, while drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage to demonstrate global culinary standards.
“In MasterChef Nigeria, diverse home cooks from across the country will compete in a series of food-making challenges designed to test originality, technique, flavour mastery and presentation. Entries are now open for this life-changing opportunity, with the closing date on 27 February 2026,” Eeckhoven stated.
Kemi Omotosho, CEO, Africa Magic, stated that MasterChef Nigeria reflects the continued commitment to the network to invest in premium local content that showcases the richness of Nigerian culture and creativity to audiences across Africa and the world,
“We encourage all home cooks who want to make a name for themselves in the dynamic Nigerian food industry to enter this profound competition,” Omotosho stated.
MasterChef Nigeria, which will be screened on DStv’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, forms part of the global MasterChef television franchise, represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment.
The deal for the new version was negotiated by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment. “We are incredibly proud this world-beating culinary format continues to expand its global footprint.
“Through our wider partnership with Primedia, Nigerian viewers are set for a real treat when they get their first taste of this iconic TV experience,” Sarah Mottershead, VP Middle East, Africa, Israel, Greece & Cyprus, Banijay Rights, stated.
