The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has expressed its readiness to play a prominent role in the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place from February 11th to 14th, 2026, in Kebbi State.
The commitment was made when the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, received the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who led members of the Central Planning Committee of the 2026 Argungu Festival on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Tafida described the Argungu Festival as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural assets and a key driver of local and national economic growth. He revealed that the 2026 edition will feature an expanded agricultural trade fair designed to highlight advancements in fisheries, livestock, and crop production.
“The Argungu Festival remains one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural assets, and the 2026 edition will further showcase the strength of our fisheries, livestock, and agricultural value chains,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also commended the Ministry for its previous interventions in Kebbi State, including efforts to improve abattoirs, recover stolen livestock, and enhance rural healthcare services.
In his response, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to full participation in the 2026 festival through its departments and agencies. He described the Argungu Festival as a national platform that promotes cultural pride, agribusiness visibility, and rural development.
“The Argungu Festival is more than a competition; it is a celebration of our people, our resources, and the ingenuity that drives Nigeria’s agricultural heritage,” the Minister stated.
Maiha further commended Kebbi State for establishing its own Ministry of Livestock Development, noting that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s livestock sector.
“Kebbi State has shown leadership by creating a dedicated livestock ministry. It speaks to a shared vision for modernising our livestock sector and strengthening food security,” he said.
He pledged stronger collaboration with the Kebbi State Government in strategic areas such as feed and fodder development, animal health and disease control, and genetic improvement of indigenous breeds ahead of the Argungu 2026 festival.
