The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has the potential to generate jobs under Nigeria’s blue economic initiative, the Kebbi state governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has said.

The governor stated this in a paper presentation, ‘Fishing Tourism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the Argungu Fishing Festival’, to participants of Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau state.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki, said Idris, who was represented by his Deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida, traced the rich history of the Argungu Fishing Festival, highlighting its landmark achievements and challenges over the years.

He recommended that the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) include the festival in the annual national tourism calendar, while the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy should expedite the completion and furnishing of the abandoned permanent festival arena.

Furthermore, the paper proposed the establishment of an independent management agency through an executive bill to oversee the Argungu Festival.

Such an agency, the governor noted, would develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that combines both digital platforms and traditional marketing channels to strengthen its global visibility.

Idris also emphasised the critical role of Nigeria’s fisheries sector and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in boosting the nation’s economy through job creation, stressing that the Argungu Festival remains a vital tool for driving cultural diplomacy, international partnerships, and economic opportunities.

“This platform offers Kebbi State and Nigeria a veritable window to engage local and international audiences, deepening relationships that will open new frontiers for economic growth,” he added.