The Niger State Government has proposed a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to elevate the historic Bida Bariki Festival into a national and internationally recognised cultural event.
The proposal was presented by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, a 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, in Abuja.
Abdullahi said the initiative was aimed at repositioning Bida, the cultural heartland of the Nupe people, as a major tourism destination while unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.
“We are proposing a collaboration to showcase Nupe culture through the Bariki Festival, with the goal of transforming it into an international event,” Abdullahi said.
He explained that the festival, which dates back to the colonial era, has survived generations and deserves global exposure through modernisation and improved infrastructure.
“We want to modernise the festival, increase its economic value, create jobs, and attract both local and international tourists to our region,” he added.
Beyond the festival, Abdullahi said Niger State was seeking federal collaboration to develop tourism infrastructure around Gurara Falls, including hotels, a water park and a creative hub.
According to him, community participation would be central to the success of the projects.
“The development of Gurara Falls must involve host communities so that tourism growth translates into real economic benefits for the people,” he said.
Responding, Musawa said the ministry was already implementing policies to attract investment into Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors.
She disclosed that the ministry had recently showcased Nigeria’s tourism projects to potential investors in Dubai.
“International exposure is key to attracting investment, and that is why we are actively presenting Nigeria’s cultural and tourism assets on global platforms,” Musawa said.
The minister said the proposed partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cultural Renaissance agenda.
“We are ready to move quickly with states that demonstrate strong tourism potential, to build sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation, job creation and economic growth,” she said.
Musawa noted that the ministry had already signed memoranda of understanding with several states and was open to expanding such partnerships.
The Bida Bariki Festival features horse-riding, acrobatics, traditional music and dance, and Nupe crafts, drawing thousands of visitors annually.