Preparations For 2026 Argungu International Fishing Festival Begins
By Abubakar Momoh
Kebbi State Government has commenced preparation for next year’s Argungu lnternational Fishing Festival.
The Main Committee of the festival on Tuesday officially resumed its activities towards ensuring the successful hosting of the world-renowned cultural and tourism event scheduled to hold in February 2026.
The Director General of the Festival, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena made it this known while briefing the press on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida who is Chairman of the Main Committee, marks the resumption of preparations for the fishing festival following the directive of the Kebbi State Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), who has given a marching order for immediate and sustained preparations ahead of the 2026 festival.
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 with the aim of reducing costs while also exploring innovative strategies for revenue generation to support government’s efforts.
Alhaji Bena stressed that the Main Committee would make the 2026 edition look unique, reflect in its grandeur and cultural significance as well as also emphasise on 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.