Nwonyo Fishing Festival

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Sports & AdventureIbi

DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking

DurationAnnualEstimate from available data

Crowd-Public scale varies

Best forCompetition, enduranceLake Nwonyo's scale sets this festival

LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NGN

CategorySports & AdventureFestival type

The story

Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi

Nwonyo Fishing Festival is held at Lake Nwonyo, said to be West Africa's largest lake, located five kilometers north of Ibi town in Taraba State. First held publicly in the early 1900s and revived in recent years after a period of suspension, the festival brings Ibi and neighboring communities together for communal fishing, a boat regatta and cultural performances.

Five kilometers north of Ibi town in Taraba State lies Lake Nwonyo, reputed to be the largest lake in West Africa, stretching some fifteen kilometers until it joins the Benue River.

Your trip starts here

What is special

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

Lake Nwonyo's scale sets this festival apart: the lake is reported to stretch some fifteen kilometers to join the Benue River, and its name, meaning hide-out, refers to local belief that it once sheltered large and dangerous aquatic animals including crocodiles, snakes and hippopotamuses

The mystery stays covered

The festival's history adds further weight, tracing back to the lake's discovery around 1816 by Buba Wurbo, founder of Ibi community, with the first public fishing festival documented during the reign of Agbumanu II between 1903 and 1915

The city starts moving

After security concerns and administrative challenges suspended the event from around 2010, its revival under Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has restored a centuries-old cultural practice, with the 2026 edition scheduled for April 17 and 18

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Nwonyo reflects a Taraba riverine fishing and canoe-craft tradition centered on Lake Nwonyo

Water and renewal

Living ritual

blending communal subsistence fishing with a competitive boat regatta and broader cultural performance

The sacred route

Living ritual

and carrying deep historical association with the founding of Ibi community itself

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For Nwonyo Fishing Festival, plan transport around the exact Ibi venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing suited to Taraba State's warm climate is appropriate, along with footwear that can handle muddy or wet lakeside ground. Sun protection is important given the...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Nwonyo Fishing Festival, stay near the part of Ibi you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

NGN

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map8.18 N, 9.74 E Open in Google Maps

Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Nearest airportMDI — Makurdi

TransportFor Nwonyo Fishing Festival, plan transport around the exact Ibi venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

Stay areaFor Nwonyo Fishing Festival, stay near the part of Ibi you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Ibi via local transport.Search routes Find a place to stayStays near Ibi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse stays Find flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare fares Festival gearLight, breathable clothing suited to Taraba State's warm climate is appropriate, along with footwear that can handle muddy or wet lakeside ground. Sun protection is important given the largely outdoor, daytime nature of the festival.Shop the kit Check visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nigeria and apply online.Check entry rules Travel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Nwonyo Fishing Festival?

Nwonyo Fishing Festival is listed for April. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Nwonyo Fishing Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Ibi, Nigeria. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLnico.gov.ng

Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →

SourceSource link available

Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April

Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →

Nwonyo Fishing Festival

Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The mystery stays covered

The city starts moving

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Water and renewal

The sacred route

Essential information

When to go

Getting around

What to wear

Safety

Where to stay

Tickets/cost

Language/currency

Family friendly

Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Your Trip Starts Here

Quick answers.

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

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