Gastronomy has evolved from a mere kitchen art to a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Cities like Paris, Bangkok, and Tokyo are renowned for their culinary influence, where food defines cultural identity. Nigeria is now poised to make a significant mark on the global gastronomic map, with plans for a groundbreaking event that highlights the nation’s rich culinary heritage.
The National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is set to host what promises to be Nigeria’s biggest culinary event in December 2025. The event will feature the world’s longest dining table, stretching across Abuja on December 6th, 2025, along with Nigeria’s longest bar, offering local brews, traditional spirits, and drinks that reflect the nation’s diverse culture, from palm wine to Zobo.
This monumental event will be part of a three-day culinary and cultural exchange, featuring all foreign embassies in Nigeria. Diplomats will showcase their national dishes in a rare global food fest. At the heart of it, Nigerian cuisine will be modernized and presented with global elegance, reflecting the nation’s cultural sophistication.
The event is not just about food—it’s a strategic initiative to boost Nigeria’s place in gastronomic tourism. With countries like Spain, Thailand, and Italy already benefiting from food tourism, Nigeria is poised to leverage its rich culinary traditions to drive cultural tourism, hotel bookings, and foreign investment. Private sector involvement in the event will also create significant business opportunities across multiple sectors, including agribusiness and hospitality.
Nigeria’s entry into the gastronomic tourism space is timely and has the potential to benefit the economy significantly, from farm-to-table supply chains to agritourism. The event goes beyond breaking records; it aims to establish Nigeria as a major player in global food tourism, boosting culinary exports and strengthening hospitality infrastructure.
In the weeks leading up to the event, various build-up activities will spotlight Nigerian cuisines, regional specialties, and the stories behind every dish, generating national buzz and global anticipation. Nigeria isn’t just setting the table; it’s claiming its seat at the world’s culinary high table.
