Contingents from Egypt and 33 states of the federation were yesterday seen putting finishing touches on their floats in preparation for this year's edition of Abuja cultural festival tagged, Abuja Carnival.

Director of media, Abuja Carnival, Olusegun Sanni, told LEADERSHIP yesterday evening that 20 foreign countries were expected to participate in the carnival alongside the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said Egypt, Ghana, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, South Africa, Germany and Columbia had arrived as at yesterday evening. LEADERSHIP checks however saw Egypt and states such as Plateau, Niger, Bayelsa, Osun, FCT, Kwara and 27 others working on their floats.

This year's edition, the 4th since the maiden edition in 2005 got a budgetary allocation of N350 million and would parade Nigeria's material culture such as masquerades, boat regatta, durbar, and dance performances.

The annual cultural fiesta bagged a Commonwealth award in 2006 and has become a unifying show attracting tourists from neighbouring African countries and beyond.