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The 2026 Argungu International Fishing Festival has staged a powerful comeback, highlighting the strength of public-private collaboration as Access Bank and the Kebbi State government joined forces to reposition the iconic event as a catalyst for culture, tourism and grassroots prosperity.
At the grand finale in Argungu, Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Tinubu, applauded the festival’s enduring relevance, describing it as a national treasure that reflects Nigeria’s collective spirit.
“This festival represents a remarkable history and remains a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities that lie in harnessing our natural resources for national development. The organization, security arrangements, and outlook demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive,” Tinubu said.
State authorities noted that stronger institutional backing and private-sector participation have restored the festival’s global allure, once again positioning it as a magnet for international tourists and investors.
“Argungu has always been an iconic international event that drew visitors from across the world. With renewed partnerships and stronger institutional support, we are confident it will return to that global stage and expand opportunities for our people through tourism, culture, and enterprise,” officials said.
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Speaking for Access Bank, Executive Director, Commercial Banking Division, Hadiza Ambursa, reaffirmed the lender’s commitment to preserving heritage while unlocking economic value.
“We actively support cultural development through initiatives like this festival and collaborations such as our partnership with the National Theatre to promote Nigerian arts and heritage. Across states, especially within the public sector space where we do quite a lot, we work with governments on priorities that matter to them. Tourism holds enormous potential, and while we have supported several hotels with expansion financing, we remain open to working with partners interested in developing the sector further,” she stated.
According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria, more than 50,000 fishermen waded into the historic Matan Fada River for the competition. Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner with a massive 59-kilogram catch, carting home vehicles donated by Sokoto State alongside a cash prize. Top contestants from Argungu and Jega also received cars, motorcycles and cash rewards, with sponsorship backing from WACOT Rice Limited.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival fuses traditional fishing contests with regattas, durbar displays, cultural performances and international competitions, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
With the 2026 edition widely judged a success, stakeholders say the renewed synergy between government and corporate partners signals a fresh chapter for Argungu, one that blends heritage with enterprise and projects Nigeria’s cultural wealth confidently onto the global stage.
