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Argungu Fishing Festival

A fishing contest on the Matan Fada river in Kebbi State, first held in 1934. UK advice is against all but essential travel to the state.

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A dense crowd on a riverbank at the Argungu Fishing Festival, with hundreds of raised fishing nets in the water below
Photo: Mfatimayusuf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and compressed.

At a glance

When
No regular date. Last held on 14 February 2026, after a six-year break.
Where
Argungu, Kebbi State

The Argungu Fishing Festival is a fishing contest held on the Matan Fada river in Argungu, Kebbi State. It was first held in 1934 and returned in February 2026 after a six-year break.

What it is

At the festival, fishermen float on round gourds and try to catch the biggest fish with their hands and nets, while thousands of spectators line the bank.

Participants include local fishermen, a few women and children, and fishermen from Niger, Chad and Togo.

History

The festival was first held in 1934 by the then traditional ruler, Muhammad Sama. It marked the end of a century-old hostility and distrust between his people and the Sultan of Sokoto, Hassan Dan-Mu'azu.

AFP reports that insecurity and funding shortages had reduced it to an occasional event.

The contest

The contest takes place on the Matan Fada river. Fishermen float on round gourds and use their hands and nets to try to land the biggest fish.

The 2026 edition

The 2026 festival was held on Saturday 14 February 2026, after a six-year break. AFP says the break was because of insecurity in Kebbi State.

The 2026 winner caught a 59-kilogramme fish. Activities earlier in the programme included a motor rally from Abuja, a Durbar procession and cultural events.

Dates change and are not confirmed here. Check the organisers before you plan travel.

Safety

The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Kebbi State (page updated 22 Oct 2026). AFP also notes sporadic jihadist attacks in parts of Kebbi.

The 2026 festival returned after a six-year break caused by insecurity in the state. We do not recommend planning a trip around this festival while that advice applies. Read is Nigeria safe to visit? for the regional picture.

For other events, see all festivals in Nigeria. Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State also carries a UK travel warning, so check the advice for any trip to the north.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Argungu Fishing Festival?

A fishing contest on the Matan Fada river in Kebbi State, where fishermen float on round gourds and try to catch the biggest fish with their hands and nets. It was first held in 1934.

When was it last held?

On 14 February 2026, after a six-year break.

Is it safe to attend?

The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Kebbi State (page updated 22 Oct 2026).

Sources and further reading

Last checked

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