Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has called on the Federal Government to reposition the historic Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a strategic driver of Nigeria’s Blue Economy and tourism development.
The Argungu Festival, which dates back to 1934, is one of Africa’s most celebrated traditional fishing contests, attracting thousands of participants and tourists globally.
Delivering a paper titled “Fishing Tourism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the Argungu Fishing Festival” to participants of the Senior Executive Course 47, 2025 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Governor Idris represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Tafida outlined bold measures to unlock the festival’s economic potential.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, the governor urged the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to formally list the Argungu Festival on the nation’s annual tourism calendar. He also called on the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to expedite completion of the abandoned permanent festival arena.
To ensure sustainability and efficiency, Idris disclosed plans to sponsor an Executive Bill for the creation of an independent management agency to oversee the festival. The proposed body would develop a modern marketing strategy combining digital platforms and traditional channels to boost global visibility and attract investors.
The governor stressed that the festival is more than a cultural celebration, describing it as a strategic national asset with capacity to drive job creation, fisheries development, cultural diplomacy, and international partnerships.
“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 emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s fisheries sector, urging the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to back initiatives that can deliver sustainable revenue and employment nationwide.
