Complete List Of Local Markets In Taraba State
Taraba State is one of the northeastern states in Nigeria. It is known for its rich culture, farming activities, and beautiful landscapes. People in Taraba come from different ethnic groups like the Jukun, Mumuye, Fulani, Tiv, Kuteb, and many others. Most people in the state are farmers, traders, herders, and craftsmen. Because of this, local markets are very important to everyday life in Taraba. They are where people buy and sell food, clothes, livestock, and other items.
In this blog post, you will learn about some of the most popular and important markets in Taraba State. These markets are spread across towns like Jalingo, Wukari, Zing, Mutum Biyu, and others. We will give you their addresses, what they are known for, and why each one is important. This guide will be helpful whether you are a visitor, trader, or local buyer.
1. Jalingo Main Market
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Location: Court Road, Central Area, Jalingo
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Local Government: Jalingo LGA
Overview:
Jalingo Main Market is the biggest and most popular market in the state capital. It is also known as "New Market" among locals. The market is large and always busy with buyers and sellers.
Items You Can Buy:
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Fresh food items (yam, rice, beans, pepper, fish)
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Fruits and vegetables
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Clothes and shoes
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Electronics and phone accessories
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Building materials and household items
Why It Is Important:
This market serves the entire city of Jalingo and nearby communities. Traders from across the state come here to sell their goods. It is a one-stop place for both food and non-food items.
2. Yelwa Market (Kasuwan Yelwa)
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Location: Yelwa Area, near Court Road, Jalingo
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Local Government: Jalingo LGA
Overview:
Yelwa Market is another big market in Jalingo. It is smaller than the main market but very active, especially on weekends.
Items You Can Buy:
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Foodstuff like tomatoes, onions, garri, pepper
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Second-hand clothes (okrika)
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Local snacks and groceries
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Kitchen utensils
Why It Is Important:
It offers an alternative to the main market. It is less crowded, and prices are sometimes cheaper. It is also closer to some residential areas.
3. Gindin Doruwa Market
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Location: Gindin Doruwa, Jalingo
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Local Government: Jalingo LGA
Overview:
This is a neighborhood market mostly used by people living in the Gindin Doruwa area.
Items You Can Buy:
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Basic food items
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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Local spices and ingredients
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Household goods
Why It Is Important:
It makes daily shopping easy for residents. It also helps reduce congestion in larger markets in the city.
4. Wukari Main Market (New Market)
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Location: Central Wukari
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Local Government: Wukari LGA
Overview:
This is the largest market in Wukari town. It is centrally located and serves traders and farmers from southern Taraba.
Items You Can Buy:
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Fresh farm produce (maize, yam, millet, groundnuts)
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Meat and fish
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Clothing and footwear
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Cosmetics and beauty items
Why It Is Important:
Wukari is a major farming town. This market helps connect rural farmers to urban consumers.
5. Kasuwan Bera
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Location: Kofai area, Jalingo
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Local Government: Jalingo LGA
Overview:
A local market where most people go to buy foodstuff at lower prices.
Items You Can Buy:
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Fresh food items like okra, tomatoes, onions
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Dried fish and crayfish
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Cooking oil and spices
Why It Is Important:
Helps low-income earners access affordable food and daily-use items.
6. Mutumbiyu Cattle Market
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Location: Mutum Biyu, Gassol LGA
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Market Day: Every Saturday
Overview:
This is a large livestock market created to support Fulani herders and meat traders.
Items You Can Buy:
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Cattle, goats, and sheep
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Grains and local foodstuff
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Animal feed and herbal medicine for livestock
Why It Is Important:
It provides income for herders and meat sellers. It also supports rural business growth.
7. Iware Cattle Market
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Location: Iware, near Mutum Biyu
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Local Government: Gassol LGA
Overview:
This is one of the oldest and busiest cattle markets in Taraba. People from neighboring states also come here.
Items You Can Buy:
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Livestock (cows, rams, goats)
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Animal feed and local drugs
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Produce like beans, guinea corn, and maize
Why It Is Important:
It is a key market for the livestock economy of the state.
8. Tashan Lau Vegetable Market
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Location: Lau town
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Local Government: Lau LGA
Overview:
A major vegetable market that supplies other towns in the state.
Items You Can Buy:
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Fresh tomatoes, onions, green pepper, and carrots
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Waterleaf, spinach, and okra
Why It Is Important:
Supports many farmers, mostly women, and helps feed urban households.
9. Zing Market
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Location: Zing town
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Local Government: Zing LGA
Overview:
A growing market that supports nearby villages in eastern Taraba.
Items You Can Buy:
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Fresh and dried farm produce
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Local soup ingredients
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Palm oil and red oil
Why It Is Important:
It helps local farmers earn a living and ensures food reaches other towns.
10. Mika Market
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Location: Mika village
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Local Government: Lau LGA
Overview:
This is a community-based market that has grown over the years.
Items You Can Buy:
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Vegetables and spices
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Local grains like guinea corn
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Household items and clothing
Why It Is Important:
Very affordable and helps connect remote villages to food buyers.
11. Garba Chede Market
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Location: Garba Chede
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Local Government: Between Bali and Gassol LGAs
Overview:
This market is known for both agricultural and forest products.
Items You Can Buy:
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Yams, cassava, maize, and rice
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Timber and firewood
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Groundnuts and beans
Why It Is Important:
It serves as a middle point for people coming from various rural communities.
📊 Summary Table of Markets in Taraba State
| Market Name | Location | LGA | Major Items Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalingo Main Market | Court Road, Jalingo | Jalingo | Food, clothes, electronics |
| Yelwa Market | Yelwa, Jalingo | Jalingo | Food, okrika, groceries |
| Gindin Doruwa Market | Gindin Doruwa | Jalingo | Vegetables, spices, daily goods |
| Wukari New Market | Central Wukari | Wukari | Farm produce, cosmetics, clothes |
| Kasuwan Bera | Kofai, Jalingo | Jalingo | Tomatoes, dried fish, pepper |
| Mutumbiyu Cattle Market | Mutum Biyu | Gassol | Cattle, grains, livestock medicine |
| Iware Cattle Market | Iware | Gassol | Livestock, produce |
| Tashan Lau Market | Lau Town | Lau | Tomatoes, onions, leafy vegetables |
| Zing Market | Zing | Zing | Farm produce, soup items |
| Mika Market | Mika Village | Lau | Grains, vegetables, household items |
| Garba Chede Market | Garba Chede | Bali/Gassol | Timber, yams, cassava, groundnuts |
Final Thoughts
Taraba State has many lively and important local markets. Each of them plays a big role in feeding people, creating jobs, and growing the state’s economy. From cattle to vegetables, from spices to timber, you can find a wide variety of goods in these markets.
For buyers, the markets offer fresh items at good prices. For sellers, they are places to make money and build relationships. For the government, supporting these markets means helping communities grow.
Whether you live in Taraba or plan to visit soon, make sure you explore one or more of these local markets. They are the heart of everyday life in the state.
