By Editor
The Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency is intensifying preparations for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, with a focus on sensitising hotel owners to upgrade their facilities in anticipation of the influx of foreign investors.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Kamba, who outlined the Agency’s strategies, said a series of meetings with key stakeholders have been scheduled to ensure the festival yields maximum economic benefits for the state.
Dr. Kamba disclosed that foreign investors from Europe and Asia have already expressed interest in attending the festival.
He noted that their interest followed the overseas visits of Governor Nasir Idris, during which the Governor invited them to Kebbi State to verify the state’s abundant natural resources and explore possible partnerships with the government and people of the state.
According to him, Governor Nasir Idris has directed the Agency to liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure a befitting reception for both local and foreign investors.
In line with this directive, the Agency, in collaboration with the Festival Organising Committee, will engage hotel owners and other critical stakeholders in the hospitality industry to discuss the renovation of dilapidated structures and the upgrading of existing facilities to acceptable standards.
Dr. Kamba further explained that arrangements have been concluded to showcase the wide range of agricultural products, livestock, and solid minerals available in the state to prospective investors.
He added that a consultative forum would be organised, bringing together investors, relevant government institutions, and the organised indigenous business community, with the aim of developing modalities for partnerships in the establishment of profitable business ventures.
However, the Director-General clarified that the investors’ visit is primarily to verify the quality and availability of viable raw materials for commercial purposes.
The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, which was suspended for several years but revived by Governor Nasir Idris, is expected to be the best edition yet, following the introduction of additional economic empowerment initiatives aimed at job creation and wealth generation for the people of Kebbi State.
Governor Nasir Idris has also demonstrated strong commitment to improving the state’s socio-economic prospects, having assented to a law authorising the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for residential, commercial, and industrial plots across the state.
The Festival Organising Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, is working tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, scheduled to hold from 11th to 14th February, 2026.
The statement was signed by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor.