Benue State, famously known as the "Food Basket of the Nation," is a hub of agricultural productivity and economic activity in Nigeria. Its fertile land produces vast quantities of yams, rice, soybeans, cassava, and a range of other crops. Beyond agriculture, however, Benue thrives because of its bustling and dynamic local markets. These markets not only provide food and essential goods but also serve as vibrant cultural and economic centers that fuel the state’s livelihood.
In this blog post, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular local markets in Benue State, highlighting their addresses, trading days, and what makes each market unique.
1. Zaki Biam Yam Market – Ukum LGA
Location: Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area
Zaki Biam Yam Market is not just the largest in Benue but the biggest yam market in Africa, and possibly the world. Every week, it processes millions of tubers of yam which are transported to various states in Nigeria. This market operates daily, and its influence spans across state lines, attracting buyers and sellers from far and wide. Traders from Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and even neighboring countries come to purchase yams in bulk.
2. Wurukum Market – Makurdi
Location: Wurukum Area, Makurdi, Benue State Capital
Wurukum Market is strategically located in Makurdi and is one of the busiest urban markets in the state. It serves the city’s growing population and offers a wide range of commodities including foodstuff, clothes, electronics, household items, and more. The market is active daily, and its central location near major roads makes it highly accessible.
3. Modern Market – Makurdi
Location: Makurdi, along George Akume Way
Modern Market is one of the most organized and formal markets in Benue State. Designed with modern infrastructure, this market hosts wholesalers, retailers, and small-scale traders dealing in everything from groceries to building materials. It has banking facilities, good road access, and is well maintained compared to many traditional markets.
4. Gboko Main Market – Gboko LGA
Location: Gboko town, Gboko LGA
As one of the largest towns in the state, Gboko hosts multiple local markets, but the Gboko Main Market stands out for its size and vibrancy. It is famous for agricultural produce such as oranges, cassava, tomatoes, and yams. Market days fall every four days, and the venue draws traders from surrounding communities like Mkar, Yandev, and even far-off places like Katsina-Ala.
5. North Bank Market – Makurdi
Location: North Bank Area, Makurdi
North Bank Market serves the residents living on the northern side of the River Benue. It’s a large open-air market with sections for foodstuff, second-hand clothes, meat, fish, and household goods. Although less formal than Modern Market, it’s a popular choice for affordable goods and daily shopping.
6. Wadata Market – Makurdi
Location: Wadata, along the banks of River Benue
Known for its variety of fresh fish and river produce, Wadata Market is ideal for seafood lovers. It’s one of the oldest markets in Makurdi, and its riverside location adds to its charm and specialization. Traders here also deal in vegetables, spices, and grains.
7. Otukpo Main Market – Otukpo LGA
Location: Otukpo Town, Otukpo LGA
This is the commercial center of the Idoma-speaking region in southern Benue. The market comes alive every five days and offers everything from yams to livestock and crafts. The Otukpo Main Market plays a significant role in supplying goods to smaller surrounding towns and villages.
8. Adikpo Market – Kwande LGA
Location: Adikpo Town, Kwande LGA
Adikpo Market is well-known in Benue’s northeastern axis. It serves as a trading point for both Nigerians and some Cameroonians, given its proximity to the border. Traders deal in grains, yams, local fabrics, and livestock.
9. Wannune Market – Tarka LGA
Location: Wannune, Tarka LGA
This market is known for its agricultural focus. Farmers and local traders converge every five days to sell produce like maize, groundnuts, beans, and vegetables. It is crucial to the economy of Tarka Local Government and helps sustain many rural families.
10. Agbo Market – Vandeikya LGA
Location: Agbo Village, Vandeikya LGA
Vandeikya’s Agbo Market is a five-day interval market that deals primarily in farm produce, livestock, and traditional herbs. It attracts buyers from neighboring states due to its rich display of naturally grown crops and organic food items.
11. Tyowanye Market – Buruku LGA
Location: Tyowanye, Buruku LGA
Located in a predominantly agrarian area, Tyowanye Market plays a key role in moving produce from farms to buyers. The market operates every four days and is essential for the sale of yams, millet, groundnuts, and poultry.
12. Ihugh Market – Vandeikya LGA
Location: Ihugh Community, Vandeikya LGA
Ihugh is a town known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong agricultural base. Its market attracts traders dealing in vegetables, plantains, maize, and pepper. The market also features stalls for traditional crafts and herbal medicines.
13. Katsina-Ala Market – Katsina-Ala LGA
Location: Katsina-Ala Town, Katsina-Ala LGA
Katsina-Ala is a commercial stronghold in Benue’s eastern region. The market is a massive trading hub where yams, garri, palm oil, livestock, and fabrics are sold. It functions as both a retail and wholesale market and has historical relevance as one of the oldest markets in the state.
14. Aliade Market – Gwer East LGA
Location: Aliade Town, Gwer East LGA
Aliade Market serves as the primary trading venue in Gwer East. With its central position, the market pulls in rural traders looking to sell items like tomatoes, soybeans, and goat meat. Its five-day cycle keeps it consistently active.
15. Naka Market – Gwer West LGA
Location: Naka Town, Gwer West LGA
The Naka Market is a focal point for yam and cassava sales. It is also known for selling grains, dried fish, and shea butter. Market days are held every four days, drawing a large rural population.
16. Idokpo Market – Ado LGA
Location: Idokpo Town, Ado LGA
Idokpo Market supports the southern tip of Benue State. Here, farmers sell products such as rice, bananas, and spices. The market plays a vital role in the economy of Ado LGA and encourages cross-cultural trade with neighboring Ebonyi and Enugu states.
17. Oweto Market – Agatu LGA
Location: Oweto Community, Agatu LGA
This riverine market operates every five days and is noted for smoked fish, snails, palm wine, and plantain. It helps link the communities living along the River Benue and provides a platform for inter-community commerce.
18. Ugbokpo Market – Apa LGA
Location: Ugbokpo Town, Apa LGA
Ugbokpo Market is central to the Idoma culture. Its market days offer more than trade; they’re social events where people gather, share stories, and celebrate their culture. It’s an excellent location for buying handmade fabrics, yams, and fruits.
19. Tor Donga Market – Katsina-Ala LGA
Location: Tor Donga, Katsina-Ala LGA
Tor Donga is a Monday-only market that is key for livestock and yam trading. Traders from Taraba and Nasarawa come here for bulk purchases. It has grown significantly in recent years due to improved infrastructure.
20. Agberagba Market – Konshisha LGA
Location: Agberagba Town, Konshisha LGA
This market is known for selling cassava, garri, pepper, and garden eggs. It operates every five days and is one of the biggest in Konshisha. The local population depends on it for daily food supplies and business opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Markets are the lifeline of Benue State’s economy and cultural identity. From the expansive Zaki Biam Yam Market to the vibrant Wadata Fish Market, each trading center contributes uniquely to the food supply chain and social dynamics of the state. Whether you're a local resident, a trader, or a visitor looking to explore the richness of Benue, these markets offer insight into the state's agricultural wealth, economic vitality, and communal spirit.
For those seeking to invest, trade, or simply experience the cultural heartbeat of Benue State, the markets listed above are essential destinations to visit.
