By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency is gearing up for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival with the sensitisation of hotel owners to upgrade facilities to accommodate expected foreign investors.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Kamba, who unfolded the Agency Agency’s preparations, said meetings with stakeholders to ensure maximum economic benefits for the state have been scheduled .
He disclosed that foreign investors from Europe and Asia have expressed interest in coming for the festival.
He said their expression of interest was believed to have resulted from Governor Idris’s visits to their countries during which he invited them to the state for verification of the state’s abundant natural resources and possible partnership with the government and people of Kebbi State.
In view of that, Dr Kamba said Governor Nasir Idris has directed the Agency to liase with relevant stakeholders and provide a befitting reception for both local and foreign investors.
He noted that the Agency in collaboration with the Festival organising committee will be meeting with the Hotels owners and other critical stakeholders in hospitality industry to discuss the need for renovation of dilapidated structures or preferably upgrade the the existing facilities to a considerable standard.
Kamba further explained that adequate arrangements have been made to exhibit the variety of agricultural products, livestock, and solid minerals abound in the state to the investors. He added that a consultative forum that would include the investors, strategic government establishments and the organised indigenous business community with a view to working out moderlity for partnership in the establishments of profitable business venture.
However, the Director General further clarified that the the investors are coming to verify the quality and availability of abundant viable raw materials for commercial purposes.
This year’s festival, suspended for some years but now revived by Governor Nasir Idris is expected to be the best so far in view of the introduction of additional economic empowerment opportunities aimed at creating more employment opportunities and wealth generation among the people of Kebbi State.
Nasir Idris has demonstrated commitment to facilitating socio-economic fortunes of the state as he has already assented to a law that authorised issuance of certificate occupancy for residential, commercial, and industrial plots in the state.
The Organizing Committee, led by the state Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, is working tirelessly to ensure a successful event scheduled to hold between 11th and 14th of February, 2026.
