THE Niger State Government has initiated discussions with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to transform the historic Bida Bariki Festival into a nationally and internationally recognised cultural event.
News Point Nigeria reports that the proposal was presented in Abuja on Tuesday by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Member of the House of Representatives for Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency, during a meeting with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq.
Hon. Abdullahi, who also serves on the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, described Bida as the cultural nerve centre of the Nupe people, stressing that its rich traditions deserve greater national visibility and global exposure.
“We are proposing a strategic collaboration to showcase Nupe culture through the Bida Bariki Festival and elevate it to an international standard,” he said. “The festival dates back to the colonial era and has endured over generations. Our goal is to modernise it, enhance its economic impact, create jobs and attract tourists to Niger State.”
Beyond the festival, Abdullahi revealed that the state is also seeking federal partnership to develop tourism infrastructure around Gurara Falls, one of Niger State’s major natural attractions. He said the proposal includes the construction of hotels, a water park and a creative hub, with strong participation from host communities to ensure sustainability and local ownership.
Responding, Minister Musawa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with states to unlock Nigeria’s vast cultural and tourism potential. She noted that the ministry is actively engaging both local and international investors to develop cultural assets across the country.
The minister referenced recent presentations made to investors in Dubai, explaining that global exposure is key to attracting investment into Nigeria’s creative and tourism sectors.
“Our focus is on partnerships with state governments to develop cultural and tourism assets nationwide,” Musawa said. “We have already signed Memoranda of Understanding with several states, and this proposed collaboration aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope Cultural Renaissance’ initiative of the Federal Government.”
According to her, the initiative is designed to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, stimulate economic growth, generate employment and position the country as a competitive global cultural tourism destination.
“We are ready to move quickly, especially with states that have strong tourism potential. Our objective is to build a sustainable framework that promotes culture while delivering real economic benefits to Nigerians,” she added.
The Bida Bariki Festival, which predates Nigeria’s independence, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations of the Nupe people. It features colourful horse-riding displays, acrobatic performances, traditional music and dance, and exhibitions of local crafts such as glass bead-making and grasswork.
Held annually, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and provides a boost to the local economy through increased hospitality activity, job creation and cultural exchange.
Abdullahi was accompanied to the meeting by the General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation, underscoring the state’s commitment to advancing its tourism agenda.