Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has achieved another global milestone after Guinness World Records confirmed her feat of cooking the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.
The official announcement released on Monday stated that the record was set in Victoria Island, Lagos, with a serving weighing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds 9 ounces).
The attempt, organised in partnership with Gino Nigeria, was staged at Eko Hotel and Suites on September 12, 2025, and has now been ratified as a world record.
According to organisers, the preparation involved approximately 4,000 kilograms of rice, 220 kilograms of chicken cubes, 164 kilograms of goat meat, and more than 600 kilograms of pepper mix.
Cooking was carried out in a custom-built 22,000-litre vessel filled to capacity, using nearly 1,200 kilograms of gas over a nine-hour period.
The effort produced over 16,600 plates of jollof rice that were shared with thousands of guests, food enthusiasts, and spectators.
Guinness World Records described the event as the largest of its kind and a landmark for Nigerian cuisine.
The confirmation comes just two years after Baci earned global recognition for her 93-hour cook-a-thon in May 2023, which brought her into the global spotlight.
Industry observers say the record underlines Nigeria’s cultural influence through food. Jollof rice, often at the centre of West Africa’s “jollof wars,” has become a symbol of national identity and pride. By securing this recognition, Nigeria strengthens its claim in the long-standing rivalry over which country produces the best version of the dish.
The event also showcased the importance of corporate sponsorship in executing large-scale projects. Gino Nigeria provided logistical support and ingredients, while volunteers and culinary professionals ensured food safety and quality throughout the exercise.
Beyond its cultural significance, analysts note the project’s potential impact on Nigeria’s food and hospitality industry, spotlighting opportunities in tourism, event management, and agricultural supply chains.
The scale of procurement, involving rice, meat, and spices in bulk, highlights the size of Nigeria’s food economy and its growing global visibility.
Baci, reacting to the confirmation, said the achievement was a tribute to Nigerian resilience and creativity. She noted that the project was not only about breaking records but also about projecting Nigeria’s food culture on the global stage.
With this recognition, Hilda Baci consolidates her reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading culinary figures, inspiring a new generation of chefs and entrepreneurs in the country’s expanding food industry.