The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to break a Guinness World Record for the longest dining table in history, as part of the upcoming ‘Oriki: Taste of Culture’ Gastronomy Festival in Abuja.
The government revealed that the ambitious attempt will feature a 3.6-kilometer table winding through the city, surpassing the current world record of 3,189.93 meters, set in Cairo, Egypt in 2019. If successful, Nigeria will claim a global culinary milestone.
The record-breaking plan was disclosed on Thursday by Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), during a meeting attended by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Scheduled for December 6, 2025, the 3.6-kilometer table is designed to host between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, combining a world record attempt in the morning with a communal dining and cultural experience in the evening.
“We plan to break the record in the morning of December 6 and use the same table for a dining event later. There will be food, culture, music and comedy in the evening. It will show that Abuja can also host major cultural events in December,” Fagade said.
He stressed that the festival is part of a broader tourism and economic strategy aimed at developing the hospitality sector, encouraging entrepreneurship, and empowering youth. The initiative is expected to attract investors and create business opportunities in food, hospitality, and agribusiness.
Minister Hannatu Musawa endorsed the initiative, calling gastronomy a key driver of economic growth and youth development, on par with Nigeria’s booming film and music industries.
“When we talk about economic growth and youth development, gastronomy plays a role just like film, music and fashion. People eat every day, and Nigeria has made significant progress in showcasing its food globally,” Musawa said.
She also praised the creativity of Nigerian chefs and food entrepreneurs, noting that local cuisine is helping Nigeria expand its global cultural influence.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to formally unveil the festival and the Guinness World Record attempt, signalling high-level government backing for the initiative.
The festival is designed to showcase Nigerian culture and culinary excellence. It will feature:
A morning world record attempt with the 3.6km dining table.
An evening cultural program including food tastings, music, comedy, and traditional performances.
Opportunities for entrepreneurs and chefs to display their skills and products to both national and international audiences.
According to Fagade, the event is part of a strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain, linking hospitality, food, and agribusiness in ways that provide sustainable economic benefits.
“This festival is not just about setting a record. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and creating platforms for investment, innovation, and youth empowerment,” Fagade explained.
Currently, the longest dining table record belongs to Cairo, Egypt, measuring 3,189.93 meters, set during a large-scale event in 2019. The Nigerian attempt, stretching 3.6 kilometers, would exceed the Egyptian record by over 400 meters, cementing Nigeria’s place in the global culinary spotlight.
Organisers highlight that the event will be carefully coordinated, ensuring safety, logistics, and adherence to Guinness World Records’ strict standards. The table will be arranged in a way that allows thousands of participants to dine simultaneously, making it both a record-setting attempt and a communal celebration.
The festival aligns with the government’s broader tourism development plan, which seeks to leverage culture, food, and creative industries to boost local economies and create jobs. NIHOTOUR has highlighted that initiatives like this can position Nigeria as a global tourist destination, attracting visitors, investors, and international media attention.
“Abuja has the potential to host world-class cultural and culinary events. This festival will demonstrate that capacity while also providing opportunities for young people in the hospitality and food sectors,” Fagade said.
By connecting gastronomy with entrepreneurship and youth skills development, the festival is expected to inspire young Nigerians to innovate in culinary arts, event planning, and tourism services.
Beyond economic benefits, the festival is seen as a celebration of Nigerian identity and culture. It aims to highlight the diversity of Nigerian cuisine, featuring dishes from various regions of the country, from traditional soups and stews to modern fusion delicacies.
The event will also showcase music, comedy, and cultural performances, offering a multi-sensory experience for participants and media coverage that could reach an international audience.
“Food is not just sustenance; it is culture, history, and identity. This festival will highlight what makes Nigerian food special and how it can unite people from different backgrounds,” Musawa said.
If successful, Nigeria’s 3.6-kilometer dining table will become a symbol of creativity, cultural pride, and organizational excellence. The event is expected to inspire similar initiatives across the country, promoting innovation in tourism, gastronomy, and event management.
Organisers are confident that the festival will leave a lasting legacy, not just for record books, but for the growth of Nigeria’s hospitality and cultural sectors.
“This is a step toward putting Nigeria on the global map for culture and tourism. The event will show that Nigeria can host major international events and set global standards in creativity and gastronomy,” Fagade concluded.
As the countdown to December 6 begins, anticipation is building across the capital, with citizens and tourists alike eager to witness Nigeria’s ambitious attempt at a new Guinness World Record.
