The Nigerian federal government has announced an ambitious plan to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest dining table. According to the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the attempt will be part of the upcoming “Oriki: Taste of Culture Gastronomy Festival” scheduled for 6 December 2025 in Abuja.
The dining table is expected to stretch an impressive 3.6 kilometres, long enough to accommodate between 2,000 and 3,000 guests. During a briefing led by NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Abisoye Fagade, alongside Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, the initiative was described as part cultural celebration, part tourism-development project.
Fagade stated: “We plan to break the record in the morning of December 6 and use the same table for a dining event later.” He went on to explain that the evening will feature food, culture, music and comedy, showcasing that Abuja can host significant cultural happenings in December.
The festival’s goals extend beyond the record attempt. Officials say it will support Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors by focusing on skills development, boosting entrepreneurship and empowering youth. The country aims to become a top destination for gastronomic and cultural experiences.
In her remarks, Musawa emphasized that gastronomy is emerging as a vital part of Nigeria’s creative economy, on par with the film and music industries. “When we talk about economic growth and youth development, gastronomy plays a role just like film, music and fashion,” she said. “People eat every day, and Nigeria has made significant progress in showcasing its food globally.” She also praised Nigerian chefs and food entrepreneurs for leveraging cuisine to promote the country’s identity abroad.
The current record, held by Cairo, Egypt, stands at 3,189.93 metres, set in 2019. Nigeria’s proposed 3.6-kilometre table would surpass that mark comfortably, potentially marking a milestone in the global record books.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to officially launch the festival and record-attempt in Abuja.
In summary: Nigeria is aiming high, blending culture, food, tourism and youth empowerment into one bold event, setting its sights on breaking a world record and stepping onto the global gastronomic stage.
