Argungu Fishing Festival is an international attraction in and outside Nigeria.
Argungu fishing festival in Kebbi State
Every year, people from around the world converge in Argungu village in Kebbi State to enjoy not only the friendly atmosphere of entertainment and fishing competition at the tourist resort, but also to meet and mix with people of different nationalities in a spirit that transcends artificial barriers.
Fish Catch at Argungu Fishing Festival from 1968 to 2004
Year
Weight
lbs
kg
1968
115
52.16
1971
115
52.16
1972
115
52.16
1973
90
40.82
1974
125
56.7
1979
98
44.45
1980
32
14.51
1981
70
31.75
1982
45
20.41
1983
35
15.88
1987
80
36.29
2004
85
38.56
The festival, a leading tourist attraction in Kebbi State, started in August 1934 when the late Sultan of Sokoto, Mallam Hassan Dan Mu’azu, made his first historic visit to Argungu. In appreciation of his visit, a fishing festival was organised and since then, it has become a yearly event, held between February and March.
People are attracted to the festival because of its cultural displays such as local boxing and wrestling, cultural dances, local swimming competitions among others.
The fishing festival have for many years been held at the same site at the northern end of the town where the river sweeps through large rice fields that are usually flooded during the rainy season. It is there that fishermen numbering between 2,500 to 3,000 and equipped with hand-nets with hooks at both ends, and a large round gourd with a small opening at the top, assemble in the morning for the festival. They form a line more than two kilometres long.
A major thrilling moment of the show is when the signal is given for fishing to start and the fishermen go into the river amidst music and songs. When the fishing is over, fishermen are forbidden from fishing on the spot again until the next fishing festival.
Amenities available at the festival site include accommodation of international standard, markets for the local food sellers, snack bars, banking and postal facilities.
