The Main Committee of the Argungu International Fishing Festival has officially resumed preparations to host the globally acclaimed cultural and tourism event, now slated for February 2026.
Director General of the Festival, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
He revealed that the meeting, chaired by Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida—who also leads the Main Committee—signaled the restart of deliberations, following Governor Nasir Idris’ directive for immediate and sustained preparations.
Festival shifted from 2025 to 2026
Bena recalled that the Main Committee was inaugurated on October 9, 2024.
However, due to infrastructure requirements and other pressing considerations, the festival was moved from its earlier date in 2025 to 2026.
“At the resumed meeting, the Committee deliberated extensively on issues of paramount importance to the success of the festival,” he stated.
A key item on the agenda was the review of estimates presented by the Technical Committee.
Initially pegged at ₦7.8bn, the figure was later revised to about ₦3.8bn by the Due Process Committee under the governor’s directive.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
The Main Committee further resolved to study the revised estimates in detail, with the goal of cutting costs and identifying innovative strategies for generating revenue to support government’s efforts.
Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena stressed that the 2026 edition would be distinctive, showcasing cultural grandeur while promoting self-sustainability.
He assured that more updates would follow as subsequent meetings are held, reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to delivering a befitting Argungu International Fishing Festival in 2026.
