Taraba State, Nigeria

Taraba State

"Nature's Gift to the Nation"

At a Glance

CapitalJalingo
Geopolitical ZoneNorth East
Date CreatedAugust 27, 1991
Area54,473 km²
GovernorAgbu Kefas (PDP) — since 2023
NicknameNature's Gift to the Nation
No. of LGAs16

History of Taraba State

Pre-Colonial Taraba — Muri, Wukari, Mambilla and Diverse Kingdoms

The history of present-day Taraba State stretches across several ancient political and cultural centres. The area was historically associated with the Muri Emirate, the Kwararafa/Jukun political tradition, the Wukari kingdom, the Mambilla highlands and numerous smaller chiefdoms and communities. Unlike many Nigerian states whose historical identity is dominated by a single ethnic group, Taraba developed through interaction between many peoples.

Major indigenous communities include the Jukun, Mumuye, Chamba, Kuteb, Mambilla, Tiv, Fulani, Wurkun, Jibu, Jenjo, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen, Kaka and many others. The diversity of languages and political institutions remains one of the defining characteristics of Taraba.

Wukari became one of the most important centres of Jukun political history. The Jukun tradition is associated with the ancient Kwararafa Confederacy, although historians continue to debate the precise geographical extent and political structure of Kwararafa. The Wukari Kingdom nevertheless remains a major traditional institution in the region.

The Muri Emirate

The Muri Emirate developed as an important Islamic political institution in the region. Its traditional centre became closely associated with Jalingo and other communities in the northern and central parts of present-day Taraba. The emirate formed part of the wider network of Islamic states and emirates that developed across the central and northeastern parts of present-day Nigeria.

Trade, agriculture, livestock production and Islamic scholarship contributed to the growth of the Muri political system. The Emirate interacted with neighbouring traditional societies and later became incorporated into the British colonial administrative structure.

Colonial Taraba — British Administration

British colonial influence expanded into the region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Existing emirates, kingdoms and traditional authorities were gradually incorporated into the colonial administrative system.

British administration relied heavily on traditional rulers through the system of Indirect Rule. In areas where centralised emirates existed, colonial officers worked through emirs and chiefs, while communities with decentralised political structures were administered through recognised local authorities.

Colonial rule also expanded missionary education, Christian missions, agricultural production and road networks. The region became increasingly connected to neighbouring parts of northern and southern Nigeria through trade routes and administrative centres.

Taraba Before State Creation — Gongola State

At Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory that later became Taraba was divided among larger regional administrative structures. Following the creation of states in 1967, much of the area became part of Benue-Plateau State and later the newly created Gongola State.

Gongola State was created in 1976 from parts of the former North-Eastern State. It covered a very large territory containing present-day Adamawa and Taraba. As the population increased and communities sought closer administration, demands grew for further state creation.

Creation of Taraba State

Taraba State was created on 27 August 1991 by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. The new state was carved out of the former Gongola State. Jalingo became the capital.

The creation of Taraba gave the region a separate administrative identity and brought together communities across the former Muri, Wukari and Mambilla areas. The new state inherited a remarkable mixture of highlands, river valleys, forests, savannahs and international borders.

The name Taraba was derived from the Taraba River, one of the major rivers flowing through the region.

Modern Taraba — Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources

Modern Taraba is one of Nigeria's most geographically diverse states. Its landscape ranges from the low-lying Benue and Taraba river valleys to the highlands of the Mambilla Plateau. The state also contains part of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, one of Nigeria's most important protected natural areas.

Agriculture remains the main occupation of the population. Major crops include maize, rice, yam, cassava, sorghum, millet, groundnut, cotton, coffee, tea and sugarcane. Livestock production is particularly important on the Mambilla Plateau and in the northern and central parts of the state.

Taraba also has substantial tourism potential. Attractions include the Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Gembu, Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Donga River, Taraba River, Benue River, Gembu Tea Plantation and the Chappal Waddi mountain region.

The state is also endowed with numerous solid minerals, including barite, gold, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, gemstones, quartz, granite and other mineral resources.

Geography of Taraba State

Topography

Taraba has one of the most varied landscapes in Nigeria. The state contains broad river valleys, rolling plains, hills, forests and high mountain landscapes. The Mambilla Plateau in the southeast rises dramatically above surrounding areas and contains some of the highest elevations in Nigeria. The state also contains parts of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park and extensive forest ecosystems.

Rivers & Waterways

The major rivers include the Benue River, Taraba River and Donga River. The rivers support agriculture, fishing, transportation in selected areas and water resources. The Taraba River gave the state its name. The Donga River flows through the southern part of the state before joining the wider Benue drainage system.

Forests & Vegetation

Vegetation ranges from Guinea savanna and Sudan savanna in northern and central areas to tropical forest and montane vegetation in the southern highlands. The Mambilla Plateau has distinctive highland grasslands and forest patches, while Gashaka-Gumti contains important forest and wildlife habitats.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry with highland climate variations

Taraba generally experiences a distinct rainy season and dry season. Rainfall increases substantially toward the southern and mountainous parts of the state. The Mambilla Plateau is cooler and wetter than the lowland areas, while northern Taraba is warmer and relatively drier. The rainy season generally extends from around April to October, although timing varies geographically.

Bordering States

Taraba State shares boundaries with: Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue.

International Borders

Cameroon

Culture & People of Taraba State

Ethnic Groups

Taraba is one of Nigeria's most ethnically diverse states. Major ethnic groups include the Jukun, Mumuye, Chamba, Kuteb, Mambilla, Tiv, Fulani, Wurkun, Jibu, Jenjo, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen, Kaka and Kambu, among many others. More than 40 ethnic communities and numerous languages are associated with the state.

Languages

Taraba is highly multilingual. Languages spoken across the state include varieties associated with the Jukun, Mumuye, Chamba, Mambilla, Kuteb, Tiv, Fulani, Jibu, Wurkun, Yandang, Jenjo and other communities. Hausa is widely used as a regional lingua franca, while English is the official language of government and formal education.

Festivals & Celebrations

Traditional festivals vary significantly between communities. Notable celebrations include the Nwunyu Fishing Festival in Ibi, Karimjo Abedahh Festival, Purma Festival among Chamba communities, Mambilla cultural festivals, traditional dances among the Jukun and Kuteb peoples, and numerous local harvest and royal festivals.

Traditional Food

Traditional Taraba cuisine reflects the state's ethnic diversity. Common foods include tuwo, masa, pounded yam, yam, rice, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, beans, vegetable soups, groundnut-based dishes, fish and various meat dishes. Communities around the Benue, Taraba and Donga rivers also have strong fishing traditions.

Traditional Attire

Traditional clothing varies between ethnic communities. Hausa-Fulani communities commonly wear babban riga, kaftan, caps, hijab and wrappers, while indigenous communities have distinctive woven fabrics, beadwork, ornaments and ceremonial costumes. Traditional attire is especially prominent during festivals, weddings, coronations and cultural performances.

Music & Dance

Music and dance are central to Taraba's cultural identity. Drums, flutes, horns, rattles and string instruments are used during traditional ceremonies. Chamba, Jukun, Mumuye, Mambilla, Kuteb and other communities maintain distinctive dance styles associated with festivals, initiation ceremonies, royal events and community celebrations.

Arts & Crafts

Traditional crafts include weaving, pottery, basketry, wood carving, blacksmithing, leatherwork, beadwork and textile production. The state's many ethnic communities have developed distinct artistic traditions, including masks, ceremonial objects, musical instruments and decorated fabrics.

Traditional Rulers of Taraba State

Wukari Kingdom

LGA: Wukari

The Wukari Kingdom is one of the most historically important traditional institutions in Taraba State. The Aku Uka is the traditional ruler of the Jukun Wanu people and is associated with the long political history of the Wukari area and the wider Kwararafa tradition.

Muri Emirate

Emir of Muri: Abbas Njidda Tafida

LGA: Jalingo

The Muri Emirate is an important traditional Islamic institution in Taraba. Its history is closely connected with the political development of the Muri region and the establishment of Islamic administration in parts of present-day Taraba.

Gashaka Chiefdom

Lamido of Gashaka: Zubairu Hammangabdo Muhammadu Sambo

LGA: Gashaka

The Gashaka traditional institution is centred around Serti and is closely associated with the historic Gashaka area. The region is internationally recognised for its proximity to Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the mountainous landscapes of eastern Taraba.

Mambilla Traditional Institution

LGA: Sardauna

The Mambilla Plateau is home to several traditional institutions representing the diverse communities of the highlands. Traditional leadership remains important in community affairs, cultural preservation and land-related matters.

Donga Traditional Institution

LGA: Donga

Donga is an important traditional centre in southern Taraba with a long history of indigenous political organisation. The area contains Chamba, Jukun, Tiv and other communities.

Karim-Lamido Traditional Institution

LGA: Karim-Lamido

Karim-Lamido has a diverse traditional landscape involving Karimjo, Jenjo, Wurkun, Bandawa, Dadiya and other communities. Traditional rulers remain important custodians of local customs and community history.

Economy of Taraba State

Taraba's economy is primarily agricultural, supported by livestock production, fishing, commerce, tourism, mining, public administration and small-scale manufacturing. The state's varied climate and geography allow farmers to produce a wide range of food and cash crops.

The Mambilla Plateau is particularly important for cattle, dairy production, tea and other highland crops, while the Benue and Taraba valleys support rice, maize, yam, cassava, fishing and irrigation agriculture.

Agriculture

Major crops include rice, maize, yam, cassava, sorghum, millet, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, coffee, tea, beans, sesame and vegetables. Cocoa and other tree crops are cultivated in suitable southern areas. Livestock production includes cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and pigs. Fishing is important along the Benue, Taraba and Donga rivers.

Natural Resources

Taraba has extensive mineral resources including barite, gold, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, quartz, granite, gemstones, marble, limestone, gypsum and other industrial minerals. Mineral development remains an important area of investment potential, although environmental management and responsible mining are essential.

Industries

Industrial activity includes agricultural processing, rice milling, cassava processing, palm oil processing, dairy production, tea processing, quarrying, construction materials, furniture and small-scale manufacturing. The state has significant potential for agro-processing because of its agricultural production base.

Commerce & Trade

Jalingo is the principal administrative and commercial centre. Other important commercial centres include Wukari, Bali, Gembu, Takum, Mutum Biyu, Ibi, Serti, Karim Lamido, Jalingo, Zing and Donga. Agricultural products, livestock, fish, foodstuffs and consumer goods are traded through local markets.

Government of Taraba State

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

# Name Party Period Note
1 Agbu Kefas APC 2023 — Present
2 Abdullahi Sarki Mukhtar 1991 — 1992 Military Governor/Administrator during the early period of the newly created Taraba State.
3 Jolly T. Nyame PDP 1999 — 2007 First elected civilian Governor of Taraba State in the Fourth Republic. He served two terms from 1999 to 2007.
4 Danbaba Danfulani Suntai PDP 2007 — 2015 Governor of Taraba State. He succeeded Jolly Nyame and served until 2015, with periods of acting administration during his recovery from a 2012 aircraft accident.
5 Garu Umar PDP 2012 — 2013 Acting Governor during Governor Danbaba Suntai's medical absence following the 2012 aircraft accident.
6 Ibrahim Jibril 2013 — 2013 Acting Governor during the period of transition surrounding the medical absence of Governor Danbaba Suntai.
7 Darius Dickson Ishaku PDP 2015 — 2023 Elected Governor of Taraba State in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019.
8 Agbu Kefas PDP 2023 — Present Incumbent Governor of Taraba State. He was sworn into office on 29 May 2023.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Taraba State

  • Taraba State University State — Est. 2008 — Jalingo LGA
  • Federal University Wukari Federal — Est. 2011 — Wukari LGA
  • Federal Polytechnic Bali Federal — Est. 2007 — Bali LGA
  • Taraba State Polytechnic State — Jalingo LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Taraba State

Mambilla Plateau

Sardauna LGA

The Mambilla Plateau is one of Nigeria's most spectacular highland landscapes. Located in southeastern Taraba, it is characterised by rolling grasslands, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and a cool climate. The plateau is also an important agricultural area known for cattle, tea and highland crops.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Gashaka LGA

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is Nigeria's largest national park and contains extensive forests, mountains, rivers and wildlife habitats. It occupies a large area of eastern Taraba and extends into Adamawa State. The park is one of the state's most important ecotourism and conservation assets.

Chappal Waddi

Sardauna LGA

Chappal Waddi, located in the Mambilla highlands, is widely recognised as Nigeria's highest mountain peak. The surrounding landscape is characterised by steep slopes, highland grasslands and dramatic mountain scenery.

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve

Sardauna LGA

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve is a montane forest ecosystem on the Mambilla Plateau. It is important for biodiversity conservation and scientific research and contains rare plant and animal species.

Gembu

Sardauna LGA

Gembu is the headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area and one of the principal settlements on the Mambilla Plateau. Its cool highland climate, tea plantations, mountain scenery and proximity to the Cameroon border make it an important tourism destination.

Gembu Tea Plantation

Sardauna LGA

The Gembu Tea Plantation is associated with commercial tea cultivation on the Mambilla Plateau. The high elevation and relatively cool climate provide suitable conditions for tea production.

Nwunyu Fishing Festival

Ibi LGA

The Nwunyu Fishing Festival is a major cultural celebration in Ibi. Activities associated with the festival include fishing, canoe racing, swimming competitions, cultural performances and traditional dances.

Donga River

Donga LGA

The Donga River is one of the major rivers of Taraba State. It supports fishing, agriculture and local livelihoods and forms part of the wider Benue river system.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Taraba State

  • Shaakaa Chira — Nigerian public servant who became Auditor-General for the Federation.

Politics & Government

  • Jolly Nyame (1955) — Former Governor of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007.
  • Danbaba Suntai (1961–2021) — Former Governor of Taraba State from 2007 to 2015.
  • Darius Ishaku (1957) — Former Governor of Taraba State from 2015 to 2023 and former Minister of State for Power.
  • Agbu Kefas (1970) — Governor of Taraba State since 2023.
  • Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan (1959–2021) — Former Minister of Women Affairs and former Senator representing Taraba North.
  • Saleh Mamman — Nigerian politician and former Minister of Power.

Military

  • Theophilus Danjuma (1938) — Retired Nigerian Army General, former Chief of Army Staff, former Minister of Defence and prominent businessman and philanthropist associated with Taraba.

Religion

  • Ignatius Ayau Kaigama (1958) — Catholic Archbishop and prominent Nigerian Christian leader who has served in senior ecclesiastical positions.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Taraba State

Taraba State has 16 Local Government Areas:

  1. Ardo-Kola — HQ: Sunkani (2,262 km²) Ardo-Kola is located around the Sunkani area and is one of the northern LGAs of Taraba State.
  2. Bali — HQ: Bali (9,319 km²) Bali is one of the largest LGAs in Taraba by land area and an important agricultural and commercial centre.
  3. Donga — HQ: Donga (3,176 km²) Donga is a southern Taraba LGA located around the Donga River and is known for its agricultural communities and diverse population.
  4. Gashaka — HQ: Serti (8,393 km²) Gashaka is one of Taraba's most mountainous LGAs and contains extensive parts of Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
  5. Gassol — HQ: Mutum Biyu (5,548 km²) Gassol is a large agricultural LGA in central Taraba with important river systems and farming communities.
  6. Ibi — HQ: Ibi (2,729 km²) Ibi is a riverine LGA situated along the Benue River and is well known for its fishing culture and Nwunyu Fishing Festival.
  7. Jalingo — HQ: Jalingo (401 km²) Jalingo is the capital of Taraba State and the main administrative, political and commercial centre of the state.
  8. Karim-Lamido — HQ: Karim Lamido (6,620 km²) Karim-Lamido is one of the large LGAs in northern Taraba and contains numerous ethnic communities.
  9. Kurmi — HQ: Baissa (4,353 km²) Kurmi is a heavily forested southern-central LGA bordering Cameroon and is noted for agriculture, timber and natural resources.
  10. Lau — HQ: Lau (1,660 km²) Lau is a riverine agricultural LGA located near the Benue and Taraba river systems.
  11. Sardauna — HQ: Gembu (4,750 km²) Sardauna contains much of the famous Mambilla Plateau and is one of Nigeria's most important highland agricultural and tourism areas.
  12. Takum — HQ: Takum (2,503 km²) Takum is a major southern Taraba LGA with strong Jukun, Kuteb, Tiv and other cultural traditions and an international border with Cameroon.
  13. Ussa — HQ: Lissam (1,518 km²) Ussa is a southern Taraba LGA associated strongly with the Kuteb people and neighbouring ethnic communities.
  14. Wukari — HQ: Wukari (4,268 km²) Wukari is one of the most historically important areas of Taraba and is the traditional centre of the Wukari Jukun Kingdom.
  15. Yorro — HQ: Kpantisawa (1,275 km²) Yorro is predominantly associated with Mumuye communities and is located in northeastern Taraba.
  16. Zing — HQ: Zing (1,030 km²) Zing is a northeastern Taraba LGA predominantly associated with the Mumuye people and is located close to Adamawa State.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Taraba State Facts

  • Taraba State was created on 27 August 1991 from the former Gongola State.
  • Jalingo is the capital and administrative centre of Taraba State.
  • Taraba State has 16 Local Government Areas.
  • Taraba is located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone.
  • Taraba shares an international boundary with Cameroon.
  • The Mambilla Plateau is located in Sardauna Local Government Area and is one of Nigeria's most prominent highland regions.
  • Chappal Waddi in the Mambilla region is widely recognised as Nigeria's highest mountain peak.
  • Gashaka-Gumti National Park extends across Taraba and Adamawa and is Nigeria's largest national park.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taraba State

What is Taraba State known for?

Taraba State is known for its extraordinary ethnic and linguistic diversity, the Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, mountains, rivers, agriculture, traditional kingdoms and abundant natural resources. It is popularly called Nature's Gift to the Nation.

What is the capital of Taraba State?

The capital of Taraba State is Jalingo. Jalingo is the state's administrative, political, commercial and educational centre.

When was Taraba State created?

Taraba State was created on 27 August 1991 by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. It was carved out of the former Gongola State.

Who is the current Governor of Taraba State?

The current Governor of Taraba State is Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assumed office on 29 May 2023.

How many Local Government Areas are in Taraba State?

Taraba State has 16 Local Government Areas: Ardo-Kola, Bali, Donga, Gashaka, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, Karim-Lamido, Kurmi, Lau, Sardauna, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro and Zing.

Which geopolitical zone is Taraba State in?

Taraba State is in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone together with Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe states.

Which countries border Taraba State?

Taraba State shares an international boundary with the Republic of Cameroon to the south and southeast. It also borders Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states within Nigeria.

What ethnic groups live in Taraba State?

Taraba is highly ethnically diverse. Major groups include the Jukun, Mumuye, Chamba, Kuteb, Mambilla, Tiv, Fulani, Wurkun, Jibu, Jenjo, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen and Kaka, among many others.