Nasarawa State History: Culture, Economy & People

At a Glance

Capital	Lafia
Geopolitical Zone	North Central
Date Created	October 1, 1996
Created From	Carved out of the western part of the former Plateau State
Area	27,137 km²
Governor	Abdullahi Sule (APC) — since 2019
Nickname	Home of Solid Minerals
No. of LGAs	13

History of Nasarawa State

Pre-Colonial Nasarawa — Ancient Communities and Kingdoms

The history of present-day Nasarawa State predates the creation of the modern Nigerian state. The region has historically been occupied by numerous ethnic communities with their own languages, political institutions, religious traditions and systems of land ownership. Among the major groups are the Eggon, Mada, Alago, Gwandara, Koro, Gade, Tiv, Hausa, Fulani, Kofyar, Goemai, Agatu, Nungu, Ninzo, Eloyi and other communities.

Before colonial rule, communities in the area developed different forms of political organisation. Some were organised around village councils and clan institutions, while others developed emirates and kingdoms. The historic Nasarawa Emirate became one of the most important political institutions in the region. The emirate was established in the nineteenth century and became associated with the wider political history of the Middle Benue and Hausa-Fulani frontier.

Trade also connected communities in the region with neighbouring areas of present-day Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and the territory around Abuja. Agricultural products, livestock, salt, iron products and other commodities were exchanged through local and regional markets.

Colonial Nasarawa — British Administration

British influence expanded into the region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The area was gradually incorporated into the colonial administration of Northern Nigeria. British authorities reorganised existing political institutions and established administrative divisions that later influenced the boundaries of modern local government areas.

Traditional rulers were incorporated into the colonial system of Indirect Rule. Emirs, chiefs and other community leaders were used as intermediaries between the colonial administration and local populations. At the same time, colonial taxation, courts, education and administrative structures transformed traditional political systems.

Missionary education expanded particularly in communities where Christian missions established schools. The development of formal education gradually produced an educated population that later participated in Nigerian public administration, politics, education and commerce.

Agriculture remained central to the colonial economy. Crops including yam, guinea corn, millet, groundnut, rice, cassava and sesame were cultivated across different parts of the region, while livestock production and local trade supported household economies.

Nasarawa Before State Creation — Plateau State Era

At Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory that later became Nasarawa State formed part of the Northern Region. Following the creation of states in 1967, much of the area became part of Benue-Plateau State, which was later divided to create Plateau State in 1976.

For many years, communities in the present-day Nasarawa area remained part of Plateau State. However, increasing demands for administrative decentralisation and greater political representation contributed to renewed calls for the creation of a separate state.

The geographical position of the area, its distinctive ethnic composition, its mineral resources and its agricultural importance were among the factors supporting the demand for a separate administrative entity.

Creation of Nasarawa State in 1996

Nasarawa State was created on 1 October 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha. It was carved out of the western part of the former Plateau State. Lafia was selected as the state capital.

The creation of the state gave the people of the region a separate state administration and placed greater emphasis on the development of its agricultural, mineral and human resources. The new state initially consisted of existing administrative areas that later evolved into the present 13 Local Government Areas.

The state was named Nasarawa after the historic Nasarawa Emirate, one of the important traditional institutions in the region.

Modern Nasarawa — Agriculture, Mining and Abuja Expansion

Since its creation, Nasarawa State has developed around three major economic advantages: agriculture, solid minerals and proximity to Abuja. The Karu axis, particularly areas around New Karu, Mararaba and adjoining settlements, has experienced substantial urban expansion because of its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory.

Agriculture remains one of the largest sources of employment. Major crops include yam, maize, rice, cassava, groundnut, sesame, sorghum, soybean, cowpea, sugarcane, cashew and vegetables. The state government and investment agencies increasingly promote commercial agriculture, agro-processing and food production.

Nasarawa is also nationally recognised for its mineral wealth. Deposits include barite, coal, clay, lead-zinc, salt, gemstones, silica sand, iron ore, granite, tantalite, marble, mica, cassiterite, limestone and aquamarine. The state's mineral resources are a major reason for its official identity as the Home of Solid Minerals.

Tourism has also gained attention through attractions such as Farin Ruwa Falls, the Keana Salt Village, Maloney Hill, historic palaces and cultural festivals.

Overview

Nasarawa State is located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. It shares boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Kogi states. Its geographical position makes it an important link between Abuja and several parts of central Nigeria.

The state is characterised largely by Guinea savannah vegetation, fertile agricultural land, hills, valleys, river systems and mineral-bearing geological formations. The Benue Trough influences the geology of the southern and eastern parts of the state, contributing to its mineral diversity.

Geography of Nasarawa State

Topography

Nasarawa has a varied landscape consisting of rolling plains, hills, valleys, rocky outcrops, escarpments and riverine lowlands. The northern and eastern parts contain several elevated and rugged landscapes, particularly around Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa-Eggon. Lower plains occur towards the Benue basin in the south.

The state's geological structure includes both basement complex rocks and sedimentary formations associated with the Benue Trough. These formations help explain the abundance of mineral resources found across the state.

Rivers & Waterways

Important rivers and waterways include the Nasarawa River, Mada River, Farin Ruwa River and several tributaries of the Benue River system. Rivers and streams support agriculture, fishing, livestock production and local water supply.

The Farin Ruwa water system is particularly important for tourism because of the spectacular Farin Ruwa Falls in Wamba Local Government Area.

Forests & Vegetation

Most of Nasarawa falls within the Guinea Savannah ecological zone. Vegetation consists largely of grasses, shrubs and scattered trees, with denser vegetation along river valleys and selected forest reserves. Agricultural expansion has transformed significant areas of natural vegetation into cultivated land.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry (Aw)

Nasarawa experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate. The rainy season generally begins around April and continues into October, while the dry season generally runs from November to March. Harmattan conditions commonly occur during the dry season. Rainfall supports the cultivation of cereals, roots, tubers, legumes and cash crops.

Bordering States

Nasarawa State shares boundaries with: Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi.

Culture & People of Nasarawa State

Ethnic Groups

Nasarawa is one of Nigeria's most ethnically diverse states. Major ethnic communities include the Eggon, Mada, Alago, Gwandara, Koro, Gade, Tiv, Fulani, Hausa, Kofyar, Goemai, Agatu, Nungu, Ninzo and Eloyi, among others. This diversity is reflected in the state's languages, festivals, traditional institutions, food and clothing.

Languages

There is no single indigenous language spoken throughout Nasarawa. Languages include Eggon, Mada, Alago, Gwandara, Tiv, Hausa, Fulfulde, Gade, Koro, Agatu, Nungu, Ninzo and other local languages. English is the official language, while Hausa serves as an important regional lingua franca in many communities.

Festivals & Celebrations

Traditional festivals vary between ethnic communities. Cultural celebrations include New Yam festivals, harvest festivals, hunting festivals, royal ceremonies, masquerade festivals and traditional dances. The Keana area is also associated with traditional salt production and cultural practices surrounding its salt springs.

Traditional Food

Traditional foods vary considerably across the state. Common staples include yam, cassava, rice, maize, millet, guinea corn, beans, groundnut and vegetables. Popular meals include pounded yam with soups, tuwo, rice dishes, yam preparations, vegetable soups, bean dishes and locally prepared meat and fish.

Traditional Attire

Traditional clothing reflects the diversity of the state. Hausa-Fulani communities commonly wear babban riga, kaftan, jalabiya and caps, while many other ethnic communities maintain their own woven fabrics, wrappers, beads and ceremonial clothing. Traditional attire is particularly prominent during festivals, weddings and royal ceremonies.

Music & Dance

Traditional music includes drums, flutes, horns, rattles and string instruments. Different ethnic communities maintain their own dances and musical traditions. Music is commonly performed during festivals, weddings, royal ceremonies, harvest celebrations and community gatherings.

Arts & Crafts

Craft traditions include pottery, weaving, basketry, blacksmithing, wood carving, beadwork, leatherwork and traditional textile production. The state's mineral wealth has also created a long history of artisanal mining and mineral-related local industries.

Traditional Rulers of Nasarawa State

Nasarawa Emirate

Emir of Nasarawa: Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibrin

LGA: Nasarawa

The Nasarawa Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions of the state. The emirate has played an important role in the political and cultural history of the region and remains an important traditional institution within Nasarawa Local Government Area.

Lafia Emirate

Emir of Lafia: Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I

LGA: Lafia

The Lafia Emirate is centred on Lafia, the state capital. The Emir serves as the traditional ruler of the Lafia Emirate and remains an important custodian of the history and culture of the area.

Keffi Emirate

Emir of Keffi: Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III

LGA: Keffi

The Keffi Emirate is one of the major traditional institutions in western Nasarawa. Keffi has historically been an important commercial and educational centre because of its location along routes connecting the state with Abuja and northern Nigeria.

Akwanga Traditional Institution

LGA: Akwanga

Akwanga has a long history of traditional institutions representing the indigenous communities of northern Nasarawa. Traditional leadership remains important in community mobilisation, cultural preservation and local dispute resolution.

Doma Emirate

Andoma of Doma: Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah Onawo

LGA: Doma

The Andoma of Doma is the traditional ruler of Doma. The Doma traditional institution is strongly associated with the Alago people and the history of the southern part of Nasarawa State.

Keana Traditional Institution

LGA: Keana

The traditional institution of Keana is closely connected to the history of the Alago people and the famous traditional salt-producing communities in the area.

Awe Traditional Institution

LGA: Awe

Awe is an important traditional and cultural centre in southern Nasarawa. Its traditional institution is associated with the history of the Alago communities and the historic salt industry.

Economy of Nasarawa State

Nasarawa State has a diversified economy built around agriculture, mining, commerce, construction, services and its strategic proximity to Abuja. Agriculture remains a major source of employment, while mining provides substantial economic potential. The Karu urban corridor has also become an important residential, commercial and service centre linked to the Federal Capital Territory.

Agriculture

Major agricultural products include yam, maize, cassava, rice, groundnut, sesame, sorghum, soybean, millet, cowpea, sugarcane, pepper, garden eggs, cashew and vegetables. The state has significant potential for commercial farming, irrigation, livestock production, fisheries and agro-processing.

Natural Resources

Nasarawa is particularly rich in solid minerals. Major resources include barite, coal, clay, lead-zinc, salt, gemstones, silica sand, iron ore, granite, tantalite, marble, mica, cassiterite, limestone, aquamarine, feldspar, quartz and other minerals. Mineral deposits occur in different geological belts across the state.

Industries

Industrial activity includes agro-processing, rice processing, cassava processing, palm-oil related activities, quarrying, construction materials, mineral processing, food processing and small-scale manufacturing. The state's proximity to Abuja provides additional opportunities for logistics, construction and property-related services.

Commerce & Trade

Major commercial centres include Lafia, Keffi, Karu, Mararaba, New Karu, Akwanga, Nasarawa town, Doma and Keana. Agricultural produce, livestock, building materials, household goods and minerals are traded through local and regional markets.

Government of Nasarawa State

Since its creation, Nasarawa State has been governed by the following:

#	Name	Party	Period	Note
1	Abdullahi Sule	APC	2019 — Present
2	Abdullahi Ibrahim		1996 — 1998	Military Administrator of Nasarawa State following the creation of the state in October 1996.
3	Bala M. M. Aliyu		1998 — 1999	Military Administrator during the final phase of military rule before the return to democratic government in 1999.
4	Abdullahi Adamu	PDP	1999 — 2007	First elected Governor of Nasarawa State. He served two terms from 1999 to 2007 and later became a senator and national political figure.
5	Aliyu Akwe Doma	PDP	2007 — 2011	Governor of Nasarawa State from 2007 to 2011.
6	Tanko Al-Makura	CPC/APC	2011 — 2019	Governor of Nasarawa State for two terms. He won the 2011 election under the Congress for Progressive Change and was re-elected in 2015 under the APC.
7	Abdullahi A. Sule	APC	2019 — Present	Incumbent Governor of Nasarawa State. He assumed office in May 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Nasarawa State

Nasarawa State University, Keffi State — Est. 2001 — Keffi LGA
Federal University of Lafia Federal — Est. 2011 — Lafia LGA
Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa Federal — Est. 1983 — Nasarawa LGA
Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic State — Est. 1978 — Lafia LGA
Nasarawa State Polytechnic State — Lafia LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Nasarawa State

Farin Ruwa Falls

Wamba LGA

Farin Ruwa Falls is one of Nasarawa State's most famous natural attractions. The waterfall is located in Wamba Local Government Area and drops over a dramatic rocky escarpment into the valley below. It is recognised for its impressive height, surrounding forest landscape and tourism potential.

The falls are particularly spectacular during the rainy season when water flow increases. The area has potential for eco-tourism, hiking, nature photography and adventure tourism.

Keana Salt Village

Keana LGA

The Keana Salt Village is one of Nasarawa State's most distinctive cultural and economic heritage sites. Natural salt springs in the area have supported traditional salt production for generations. The salt industry historically contributed to regional trade and remains an important part of Keana's identity.

Maloney Hill

Keffi LGA

Maloney Hill is a prominent elevated landscape in Keffi. The hill provides scenic views over the surrounding area and is associated with the historic development of Keffi. It is one of the natural features that contribute to the town's tourism potential.

Nasarawa Emirate Palace

Nasarawa LGA

The Nasarawa Emirate Palace is the traditional seat of the Emir of Nasarawa. It represents the history and continuing cultural significance of the Nasarawa Emirate and serves as a centre for royal ceremonies and traditional affairs.

Lafia Emir's Palace

Lafia LGA

The Lafia Emir's Palace is an important traditional landmark in the state capital. It represents the history of the Lafia Emirate and remains a centre for royal ceremonies, cultural activities and traditional leadership.

Keffi Emir's Palace

Keffi LGA

The Keffi Emir's Palace is an important traditional institution and cultural landmark in Keffi. The palace is associated with the history of the Keffi Emirate and the town's long-standing role as a commercial and political centre.

Doma Dam

Doma LGA

Doma Dam is an important water infrastructure facility in Doma Local Government Area. The dam has potential importance for irrigation, agriculture, water management and economic development in the surrounding communities.

Akwanga Hills

Akwanga LGA

The hills and rocky landscapes around Akwanga form part of the elevated terrain of northern Nasarawa. The area's rugged scenery, valleys and rock formations contribute to its ecological and tourism potential.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Nasarawa State

Shehu Idris (1948–2020) — Senior Nigerian public servant and former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government.

Politics & Government

Abdullahi Adamu (1946) — First elected Governor of Nasarawa State from 1999 to 2007, senator and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
Abdullahi A. Sule (1959) — Governor of Nasarawa State since 2019 and former Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery.
Tanko Al-Makura (1952) — Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019 and former senator representing Nasarawa South.
Aliyu Akwe Doma (1942–2019) — Governor of Nasarawa State from 2007 to 2011 and prominent politician from the Alago community.
Labaran Maku (1965) — Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and former Minister of Information.
Abubakar Tanko Al-Makura (1952) — Prominent Nasarawa politician and former Governor of the state.

Academia

Doma Osaghae — Academic and scholar associated with Nigerian political and social research.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State

Nasarawa State has 13 Local Government Areas:

Akwanga — HQ: Akwanga (996 km²) Akwanga is one of the major northern LGAs of Nasarawa State and an important transport and commercial centre.
Awe — HQ: Awe (2,557 km²) Awe is a southern Nasarawa LGA historically associated with the Alago people and salt production.
Doma — HQ: Doma (2,714 km²) Doma is an important agricultural LGA and traditional centre in southern Nasarawa.
Karu — HQ: New Karu (2,640 km²) Karu is the most strongly urbanised LGA in Nasarawa and forms part of the wider Abuja metropolitan expansion corridor.
Keana — HQ: Keana (1,048 km²) Keana is historically famous for its natural salt deposits and traditional salt production.
Keffi — HQ: Keffi (138 km²) Keffi is a historic emirate town and major educational and commercial centre.
Kokona — HQ: Garaku (1,844 km²) Kokona is a rural and mineral-rich LGA in western Nasarawa.
Lafia — HQ: Lafia (2,756 km²) Lafia is the capital of Nasarawa State and the largest LGA by population in the state.
Nasarawa — HQ: Nasarawa (5,704 km²) Nasarawa LGA should not be confused with Nasarawa State; the LGA contains the historic town from which the state takes its name.
Nasarawa Eggon — HQ: Nasarawa Eggon (1,208 km²) Nasarawa Eggon is the principal administrative centre of the Eggon people and one of the northern LGAs of the state.
Obi — HQ: Obi (967 km²) Obi is one of the major agricultural LGAs in southern Nasarawa.
Toto — HQ: Toto (2,903 km²) Toto is one of the largest LGAs in Nasarawa by land area and borders the Federal Capital Territory.
Wamba — HQ: Wamba (1,156 km²) Wamba is a northern Nasarawa LGA famous for Farin Ruwa Falls and its hilly landscapes.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Nasarawa State Facts

Nasarawa State was created on 1 October 1996 from the former Plateau State.
Lafia is the capital of Nasarawa State.
Nasarawa State has 13 Local Government Areas.
Nasarawa State covers approximately 28,735 square kilometres.
Nasarawa State is officially known as the Home of Solid Minerals.
The state is located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone.
Nasarawa shares a boundary with the Federal Capital Territory and is strategically connected to Abuja.
The state is predominantly within the Guinea Savannah vegetation belt.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nasarawa State

What is Nasarawa State known for?

Nasarawa State is best known for its abundant solid mineral resources, agriculture, cultural diversity, traditional institutions, proximity to Abuja and tourist attractions such as Farin Ruwa Falls and the Keana Salt Village.

What is the capital of Nasarawa State?

The capital of Nasarawa State is Lafia. Lafia is the administrative, political and commercial centre of the state and the headquarters of Lafia Local Government Area.

When was Nasarawa State created?

Nasarawa State was created on 1 October 1996 by the military government of General Sani Abacha. It was carved out of the former Plateau State.

Who is the current Governor of Nasarawa State?

The current Governor of Nasarawa State is Abdullahi A. Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He became governor in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023.

How many Local Government Areas are in Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa State has 13 Local Government Areas: Akwanga, Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Eggon, Obi, Toto and Wamba.

What is the land area of Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa State has a commonly reported land area of approximately 28,735 square kilometres.

What is the population of Nasarawa State?

Population figures vary by reference year and methodology. The 2006 census recorded about 1.87 million people, while more recent projections are considerably higher. Population figures should therefore always be identified by year and source.

What ethnic groups live in Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa is ethnically diverse. Major groups include Eggon, Mada, Alago, Gwandara, Koro, Gade, Tiv, Hausa, Fulani, Kofyar, Goemai, Agatu, Nungu, Ninzo and Eloyi communities.

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