Spectacular Nigerian Fishing Festival Returns After Six Years

After a six-year break, the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival returned in northern Nigeria, featuring thousands of fishermen competing in traditional contests and cultural celebrations attended by President Bola Tinubu.

Return of the Argungu Fishing Festival

After a six-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and security issues, tens of thousands of fishermen gathered last weekend in northern Nigeria to participate in the traditional Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

Sani Maikatanga Dust partially obscures a scene of hundreds of fishermen waiting to take part in the competition

The event began with the rhythmic drumming of the Kabawa people as the Sarkin Ruwan, the custodian of the river, conducted a ceremonial ritual to officially commence the competition. This festival has been held for decades and draws participants from across the region.

Sani Maikatanga A close-up head-and-shoulders portrait of a man in an orange and white traditional top and white turban.

Fishermen had assembled early in the morning, ready to compete. At the signal, they sprinted towards the Matan Fada river, which remains closed throughout the year to allow fish populations to replenish before the festival.

AFP via Fishermen run towards the Matan Fada river. They're holding nets and gourds. One man in the front of the image can be seen holding a yellow jerrycan.

With nets trailing behind and carrying large gourds, the fishermen plunged into the river to engage in the fishing contest, which marked the conclusion of four days of cultural celebrations. President Bola Tinubu attended the festival this year, highlighting its significance.

AFP via A crowded picture of fishermen in the water with one in the middle floating on a gourd.

The participants waded through water that reached their chins in some areas, dragging their nets along the riverbed. The gourds served as flotation aids and containers for their catch. The Sarkin Ruwan supervised the competition from his canoe.

AFP via A man dressed in traditional clothes rides on the front of a canoe surrounded by fishermen in the water.

After returning to shore, the fishermen handed their catches to the judges, who weighed the large fish on scales. The winner caught a giant croaker fish weighing 59kg (9st 2lb) and received two new cars along with 1 million naira (approximately $740 or £550) in prize money.

AFP via A view from underneath of a man weighing a huge fish on scales suspended on a green frame. Two others are looking on.

Other sizable fish were also caught but did not surpass the winning catch.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Argungu festival traces its origins back over a century, formally beginning in 1934 as a means to foster peace between the Kebbi Kingdom and the Sokoto Caliphate, two previously warring factions.

Anadolu via A man in traditional attire and turban is on a horse which is dressed in embroidered red cloth. Two men, in matching clothes are in front leading the procession.

The current Sarkin Ruwan, Alhaji Hussaini Makwashe, described Argungu as a place where people unite to share their love and celebrate the culture of this region of Nigeria.

"Argungu is a place where people can share their love and celebrate the culture of this part of Nigeria," said Alhaji Hussaini Makwashe.

The festival has gained international recognition and is listed by UNESCO as a cultural event. It attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators from Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Sani Maikatanga A close-up head-and-shoulders portrait of a man in a dark blue shirt and dark blue cap.

Ibrahim Gulma, a participant, emphasized the importance of visitors from across Nigeria and the region in making Argungu a special event.

"It is the visitors from across Nigeria and elsewhere in the region who make Argungu special," said Ibrahim Gulma.

Additional Competitions and Cultural Activities

Leading up to the fishing contest on the fourth day, numerous other competitions were held, including archery. Traditional music and drumming provided a vibrant soundtrack to the festivities.

Sani Maikatanga A side view of a row of archers in dark blue attire and holding their bows. They are crouching on dusty ground.

Sani Maikatanga An archer in traditional clothes readies to fire his arrow. A crowd of onlookers can be seen behind him.

Sani Maikatanga Four musicians in a row in dark attire and a traditional shell covered hat strum guitar like instruments.

Anadolu via A woman, in a white garment and head covering, cradles a large red drum and holds a sickle-like beater in her right hand.

The traditional combat sport of dambe also attracted large crowds. In this sport, fighters wrap ropes around their punching hand, called "the spear," and use the other hand, known as "the shield," to block incoming blows. The objective is to knock out or knock down the opponent.

A drone view shows people gathering to watch Dambe fighters compete in the ancient Nigerian combat sport . A white circle drawn on the ground can be seen and the two fighters are inside.

Dambe fighters facing each other. One is lining up a punch as the other holds his hand out in defence.

On the water, participants competed in a wild duck-catching contest. Additionally, younger girls had the opportunity to try their hand at bare-handed fishing.