President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Kebbi State, in a move seen as reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to fisheries development and the blue economy.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.
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The President will attend the globally renowned festival as Special Guest of Honour during his one-day official visit to Kebbi State, where he is also scheduled to inaugurate projects executed by the state governor, Nasir Idris.
Held annually in Argungu, the fishing festival is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural and aquatic heritage events. The highlight of the festival is the mass fishing competition staged along the historic Matan Fada riverside, which has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
From an agricultural and climate perspective, the Argungu festival underscores the economic and ecological importance of inland fisheries to northern Nigeria. Kebbi State, located along the River Rima basin, has vast potential for freshwater fish production, contributing significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Experts note that sustainable fisheries management, wetland conservation, and investment in aquaculture value chains are critical to maximising the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s blue economy agenda. Events such as the Argungu festival not only preserve cultural heritage but also draw attention to the need for responsible water resource management amid climate variability affecting river systems across the Sahel region.
The President’s participation is expected to further elevate discussions around fisheries modernisation, post-harvest losses reduction, cold chain development, and export opportunities in Nigeria’s growing aquatic sector.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, stakeholders say revitalising traditional fishing hubs like Argungu can serve as a catalyst for rural development, youth employment, and sustainable food systems.
