Kebbi govt revives committee for Argungu fishing festival

The main committee of the Argungu International Fishing Festival has officially commenced its activities towards ensuring the successful hosting of the world-renowned cultural and tourism festival scheduled to be held in February 2026.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Festival, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena, during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, the meeting headed by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida who is Chairman of the main committee, marks the resumption of deliberations by the Main Committee following the directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), who has given a marching order for immediate and sustained preparations ahead of the 2026 festival.

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Bena recalled that the Main Committee was inaugurated on the 9th of October, 2024.

However, due to infrastructural requirements and other considerations, the festival was shifted from 2025 to 2026.

At the resumed meeting, the Committee deliberated extensively on issues of paramount importance to the success of the festival.

He explained that a review of earlier estimates presented by the Technical Committee was also discussed. While the first estimate stood at about ₦7.8 billion, the Due Process Committee, under the directive of the Governor, reviewed it to about ₦3.8 billion.

The main Committee further resolved to study the estimates to reduce costs while also exploring innovative strategies for revenue generation to support the government’s efforts.

Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena stressed that the main committee would make the 2026 edition look unique, reflect in its grandeur and cultural significance, as well as emphasise self-sustainability through improved revenue generation.

He assured that subsequent meetings would provide more updates as preparations progress, and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to delivering a befitting Argungu International Fishing Festival in 2026.