Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has appealed to the Federal Government to reposition the historic Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a global tourism attraction.
He further noted that the festival should serve as a key driver of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, boosting both cultural heritage and economic growth.
The Governor made the call on Sunday, while presenting a paper titled “Fishing Tourism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the Argungu Fishing Festival” to participants of Senior Executive Course 47, 2025.
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The event took place at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Tafida, Idris highlighted the festival’s rich history, dating back to 1934, and its global recognition as one of Africa’s most renowned cultural events.
He urged the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to officially list the Argungu festival on the country’s annual tourism calendar.
He also called on the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to complete the abandoned permanent festival arena.
To ensure effective management, Idris disclosed plans to sponsor an Executive Bill establishing an independent agency to oversee the festival, market it globally, and attract investors.
He emphasised that the Argungu festival should be seen not just as a cultural showpiece but as an economic asset.
“This platform offers Kebbi State and Nigeria a veritable window to engage local and international audiences, deepening relationships that will open new frontiers for economic growth,” he stated.
Idris further explained that, “The Argungu Festival must move beyond mere celebration. It has the capacity to generate thousands of jobs, strengthen our fisheries sector, and project Nigeria’s culture to the world.”
He also stressed the importance of fisheries and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in creating sustainable jobs and revenue through initiatives tied to the festival.
He added, “When fully harnessed, this festival can stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest cultural tourism events across the globe.”
He was accompanied by senior state officials and the Director-General of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena.
