Catch of the day: Pictures from spectacular Nigerian fishing festival

Days of competition culminate in a fishing contest rooted in efforts to cement local peace.

Fishermen drifted atop spherical brown gourds across the Matan Fada river, using nothing but their bare hands and nets to pursue prized catches in the cloudy depths. Thousands of spectators crowded along the riverbank, erupting in enthusiastic cheers.

Nigeria’s UNESCO-listed Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival returned after a six-year hiatus, culminating with a giant 59-kilogramme catch. The festival attracted over 50,000 fishers from Nigeria and neighboring countries, with President Bola Tinubu among the spectators.

The Argungu International Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria, featured a 59kg catch by fisherman Abubakar Usman, who was awarded two new cars and a ₦1 million cheque. The festival marked the return of the event after a six-year break due to COVID-19 and security concerns.

The Argungu Fishing Festival in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi State made a celebrated return in 2026, drawing thousands of participants and spectators, including President Bola Tinubu. Held at the UNESCO-recognized Matan Fadan River, the festival showcased traditional fishing techniques using nets, gourds, and bare hands. The winning catch was a 59-kilogram croaker fish, and participants benefit from monetary prizes and the opportunity to sell their fish, boosting the local economy.

The Argungu Fishing Festival, a UNESCO-recognized event in Kebbi State, Nigeria, returned after a six-year hiatus. The festival drew significant attention when local fisherman Abubakar Usman caught a massive fish weighing 59 kilograms, becoming the highlight of the festival. The event serves as a major tourism driver for the state, benefiting hotels, food vendors, transport operators, and local artisans. It also provides a platform to showcase agricultural produce and promote the state’s economic potential.

Tens of thousands of fishermen participated in a traditional festival in northern Nigeria after a six-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and security concerns. The event featured a fishing contest marking the culmination of four days of celebrations at the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, attended by President Bola Tinubu.

The Argungu Fishing Festival, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, has resumed in Kebbi State, Nigeria, after a six-year hiatus. The event drew significant attention when local fisherman Abubakar Usman caught a massive fish weighing 59 kilograms, becoming the highlight of the festival.