Taraba State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, is one of the country’s most agriculturally rich and ethnically diverse areas. With fertile land, abundant rivers, and a mosaic of ethnic groups like the Jukun, Mumuye, Fulani, Tiv, Kuteb, and Chamba, Taraba thrives as a hub for farming, animal rearing, and local trade. This naturally makes its local markets vibrant centers of economic and social life.
These markets not only serve as economic engines but also function as communal meeting grounds where farmers, artisans, traders, and buyers exchange goods, ideas, and culture. From the capital city of Jalingo to towns like Wukari and Gassol, each market reflects the livelihood and traditions of its host community.
In this post, we explore the major local markets in Taraba State, their locations, what they specialize in, and their importance to the people of the state.
1. Gindin Doruwa Market – Jalingo
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Location: Gindin Doruwa, Jalingo (Taraba State capital)
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Market Days: Daily
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Main Items Sold: Foodstuff, clothing, shoes, household items, electronics
Gindin Doruwa Market is a prominent and bustling market located in the heart of Jalingo. It is one of the largest and busiest commercial centers in the capital. You’ll find traders selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, tubers, meat, clothes, electronics, and household essentials.
Its central location makes it easily accessible to both residents and visitors. Because of its popularity, it’s a great place to observe the economic heartbeat of Jalingo. Traders come in from neighboring states, and the market plays a major role in supplying goods to smaller markets across Taraba.
2. Kasuwan Bera – Kofai, Jalingo
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Location: Kofai area, Jalingo
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Market Days: Daily
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Main Items Sold: Groceries, grains, provisions, vegetables, beverages
Kasuwan Bera is another busy local market located in the Kofai axis of Jalingo. While smaller than Gindin Doruwa, it caters to a large number of low- and middle-income households who seek affordable prices. Popular for fresh produce and essential commodities, the market is a lifeline for students and families on a budget.
Many residents prefer shopping here for everyday groceries and perishable items. It’s also known for being highly interactive and rich in local slang and cultural expression.
3. Tella Cattle Market – Tella, Gassol LGA
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Location: Tella Town, Gassol Local Government Area
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Market Days: Every Thursday
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Main Items Sold: Livestock (mainly cattle, goats, sheep), leather, animal feed
Tella Market is arguably one of the biggest cattle markets in northeastern Nigeria. Located in Gassol LGA, this market is a regional center for livestock trade. It reportedly records the sale of over 3,000 cattle on peak market days.
Buyers and sellers come from across Nigeria and even neighboring countries like Cameroon and Chad. It serves not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a barometer of livestock prices across the region. The market is very active and contributes significantly to the state's internally generated revenue.
4. Wukari Yam Market – Wukari Town
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Location: Wukari, Taraba South
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Market Days: Daily (with peak days on Mondays and Thursdays)
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Main Items Sold: Yams, potatoes, vegetables, foodstuffs
Wukari is one of the oldest towns in Taraba State, rich in both history and agriculture. Its yam market is particularly famous, as it serves as a primary source of the staple tuber for traders from Benue, Nasarawa, and even the southern parts of Nigeria.
The market boasts a wide range of yams including white yams, water yams, and yellow yams. Many of the yams sold here are transported to major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The market also handles bulk purchases for export and regional distribution.
5. New Market – Wukari
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Location: Central Wukari Town
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Market Days: Daily
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Main Items Sold: Grains, vegetables, condiments, fabrics, household wares
New Market in Wukari is a general market that complements the town's yam trade. It features stalls filled with various agricultural and consumer goods. It is organized, clean, and highly patronized by residents of Wukari and travelers passing through the region.
During peak seasons, the market hosts festivals and trading fairs, creating a buzz of commercial activity and cultural performances.
6. Kasuwan Ladi – Zing LGA
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Location: Zing town, Northern Taraba
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Market Days: Saturdays
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Main Items Sold: Food items, handmade crafts, farm tools, millet, sorghum
Kasuwan Ladi in Zing Local Government Area is one of the more traditional rural markets in Taraba. It plays a crucial role in the economy of Northern Taraba, being a major outlet for millet, guinea corn, and other dry-season crops. It is also famous for locally made tools and crafts.
Buyers from neighboring villages rely on Kasuwan Ladi for both personal needs and resale stock. It is known for its open-ground format where traders display their goods under tree shades or local kiosks.
7. Mutum Biyu Market – Mutum Biyu, Gassol
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Location: Mutum Biyu town, Gassol LGA
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Market Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
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Main Items Sold: Grains, fish, rice, livestock, fabrics
Mutum Biyu, a semi-urban settlement in Gassol LGA, hosts a vibrant market that attracts traders from both Taraba and neighboring Adamawa State. The market thrives on agricultural trade and livestock. It also features a section for local textiles and traditional attires.
Because of its location on the main road connecting Jalingo to Gombe and Bauchi, it serves as a key distribution center for farm produce.
8. Bali Market – Bali Town
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Location: Bali, Taraba Central
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Market Days: Mondays and Fridays
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Main Items Sold: Vegetables, livestock, spices, fabrics
Bali is both a town and a local government headquarters. Its market is well-organized and serves as a midpoint for goods moving between Jalingo and Wukari. Farmers and local entrepreneurs dominate this market, and you can find a lot of organic produce and medicinal herbs.
9. Kurmi Market – Kurmi LGA
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Location: Kurmi town, near the Mambilla Plateau
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Market Days: Thursdays
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Main Items Sold: Coffee, tea leaves, Irish potatoes, honey, fruits
Kurmi is located in the Mambilla region, and its market is famous for cool-climate crops like tea, Irish potatoes, and exotic fruits. This is one of the few places in Nigeria where you can buy locally grown apples and strawberries. The Kurmi Market is a gem for fresh produce lovers and herbal medicine enthusiasts.
The Cultural and Economic Role of Markets in Taraba State
Markets in Taraba are not just trading venues. They are platforms where communities meet, share news, celebrate festivals, and engage in peaceful cohabitation. Many of the markets follow traditional calendars—such as weekly or every-five-day schedules—that align with local customs.
From yam festivals in Wukari to livestock auctions in Tella, these markets reinforce Taraba's identity as a culturally rich and agriculturally vibrant state.
Conclusion
Taraba State's markets are vital to the economic, cultural, and social life of its people. They offer unique insights into the state's agricultural wealth, ethnic diversity, and commercial dynamism. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a business investor, or a local trader, exploring these markets is one of the best ways to understand the pulse of Taraba.
