Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci cooked a record-breaking amount of jollof rice on September 13, 2025, at Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The event saw over 20,000 attendees, including celebrities and government officials, culminating in the serving of the giant pot of jollof to the public.
Thousands gathered and watched the food influencer’s latest world record bid, after in 2023 holding the title for the longest cooking marathon – an exhausting 93 hours and 11 minutes, or nearly four days.
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Her gigantic jollof recipe included 4,000kg (8,800lb) of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste and 600kg of onions – all poured into a custom-made pot that can hold 23,000 litres.
The dish took several hours to cook and evidence of the feat must now be validated by the Guinness World Records organisation.
Baci, 28, told BBC Pidgin that it took her a year to plan how she would tackle the mammoth challenge.
“We are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for,” she said.
“It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of jollof rice, it would be nice for the country.”
Manufacturing the giant steel vessel to hold her dish took a culinary team of 300 people two months to make.
Working with a group of assistants wielding massive wooden spatulas, Baci’s crowning dish was later distributed for onlookers to enjoy.
Jollof rice is a staple of Nigerian cuisine, featuring rice simmered in a tomato sauce, often paired with meat or seafood.
The Akwa Ibom-born girl won a competition for her version of jollof rice in 2021, and then became a national sensation in 2023 when she claimed the cooking marathon record.
FG Hails Chef Baci on her feat
Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has hailed celebrity chef Hilda Baci for her bold attempt to set a new Guinness World Record by cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
Delivering the Minister’s goodwill message at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Friday, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, described Baci’s effort as “another testament to Nigeria’s global excellence.”
According to the Minister, Hilda Baci’s determination to push boundaries showcases the resilience and creativity that define Nigeria.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map. Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” Idris said.
He urged the thousands of young Nigerians present to see Baci’s effort as proof that “success comes through legitimate hard work, perseverance, and commitment to one’s craft.”
Idris announced that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting not only Hilda’s Guinness World Record attempt but also other initiatives that project Nigeria positively on the global stage. “We recognize and celebrate Nigerians like Hilda Baci, who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities, talents, culture, and food,” he added.
The Minister praised Baci’s professionalism, meticulous preparation, and high hygiene standards, noting that these qualities reflect the values of Nigerian excellence.
He recalled her previous record-breaking 93-hour cooking marathon, saying her consistency shows that Nigerians can compete and excel at the highest global standards.
Idris expressed confidence that Hilda’s jollof challenge would inspire a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs and creatives. “We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for Baci’s journey: “On behalf of the President and the entire Federal Government, I wish Hilda Baci success in this noble endeavour. Her success is Nigeria’s success, and we stand firmly behind her as she writes another glorious chapter in Nigeria’s book of achievements.”
