The Federal Government has signalled interest in upgrading the Bida Bariki Festival into a national cultural event with international appeal, as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s cultural tourism drive.
The initiative followed a proposal by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives, during a meeting with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja.
Abdullahi, who represents Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency and serves on the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, urged the Federal Government to partner with the Niger State Government to modernise the historic festival and position it for global visibility.
He described Bida as the cultural hub of the Nupe people, noting that the Bariki Festival, which dates back to the colonial era, has remained a strong symbol of Nupe heritage over the decades.
According to him, transforming the festival into an international cultural attraction would boost tourism, stimulate local economic activities, create jobs and promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural identity.
The lawmaker also proposed collaboration with the ministry to develop tourism infrastructure around Gurara Falls, including hotels, a water park and a creative hub, with active participation of host communities.
Responding, Musawa said the Federal Government was committed to partnering with states to develop cultural and tourism assets capable of attracting both local and foreign investment.
She disclosed that the ministry had already signed memoranda of understanding with several states and was prioritising areas with strong tourism potential under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cultural Renaissance initiative.
The minister added that international exposure remained critical to attracting investors, noting that the ministry had recently presented tourism and cultural projects to potential investors in Dubai.
“Our goal is to build a sustainable framework that preserves culture, creates jobs and positions Nigeria as a global cultural tourism destination,” she said.
The Bida Bariki Festival, rooted in pre-independence traditions, features horse-riding displays, acrobatic performances, traditional music and dance, as well as exhibitions of local crafts. It attracts thousands of visitors annually and contributes significantly to the local economy.
Hon. Abdullahi was accompanied to the meeting by the General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation.
