By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Kebbi State Government is set to sign a $14 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 42 companies as it unveiled the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
Muhammed Kabiru Kamba, Director-General of Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency, said the investors— from the U.S., UAE and other countries— have indicated interest in mining, agriculture, tourism, housing, renewable energy, lithium battery production and electric motor manufacturing.
He disclosed that one company plans to invest $4.9bn in iron ore exploration, another $4bn in an agriculture hub in Yauri, while others are committing about $7m to renewable energy projects.
“In total, we are signing MoUs worth over $14bn aligned with the state’s development plan Kamba said, adding that the festival is being leveraged to attract investment in culture and infrastructure, including an inland dry port.
He noted that the ongoing superhighway project would ease movement of goods between Lagos and Kebbi.
Declaring the festival open, Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida described Kebbi as investor-friendly, agriculturally driven and strategically positioned for solid minerals and agribusiness.
Guest lecturer, Prof. Dahiru Muhammad Argungu, called for the establishment of a permanent Argungu Fishing Festival Development Commission to sustain and expand the event.
He also advocated a trade fair platform for participating companies.
The state said over N2bn was spent on the 2026 festival, citing its peace-building and cultural exchange benefits with neighbouring countries including Niger, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal.
