Full List Of Local Markets In Gombe State
Gombe State is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria. It is called the “Jewel in the Savannah” because of its peaceful environment and rich cultural traditions. One important part of life in Gombe is the local market system. These markets are places where people come together to buy and sell food, clothes, animals, tools, and other important items. They also help many families earn a living and support farming and trading across the state.
In this post, we will look at some of the major markets in Gombe State. We’ll include their names, locations, what you can find there, and why they are important. Whether you live in Gombe or are just visiting, this guide will help you understand where to shop and what to expect.
1. International Gombe Market
Location: Herwagana Road, Gombe City, Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State.
This is one of the biggest and most organized markets in Gombe State. It was built to help make trading easier and more comfortable for both buyers and sellers.
What you can buy here:
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Clothes and shoes (new and fairly used)
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Foodstuff like rice, beans, flour, vegetables, and fruits
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Building materials
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Electronics and mobile phones
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Household items like pots, plastic containers, and cooking gas
Why it is important:
The International Gombe Market is a modern market that helps people find everything they need in one place. It also helps create jobs for traders, transporters, and cleaners. Many people from other parts of Nigeria come to this market to buy in bulk.
2. Gombe Main Market
Location: Emir’s Palace Road, near Herwagana, Gombe City.
This is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Gombe City. It is known for its wide variety of goods and large number of visitors, especially on market days.
What you can buy here:
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Fresh food like tomatoes, onions, pepper, and fish
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Grains such as maize, millet, rice, and beans
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Second-hand clothes and shoes
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Cooking oil, beverages, and packaged food
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Electronics and mobile phone accessories
Why it is important:
This market supports many families and businesses in Gombe. It is centrally located and easy to reach by car, motorcycle, or on foot.
3. Tudun Hatsi Market (Grain Hill Market)
Location: On a hill opposite the Old Gombe Market, close to the Emir’s Palace.
This market is famous for selling grains and other farm products. It has been around for many years and is sometimes called the “grain hill” because of the large bags of grain seen everywhere.
What you can buy here:
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Millet, sorghum, maize, and rice
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Beans and groundnuts
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Animal feed
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Local seeds and fertilizer
Why it is important:
Tudun Hatsi supports many farmers from different parts of Gombe and nearby states. They bring their farm produce to sell in bulk to wholesalers and retailers.
4. Kumo Markets
Kumo is the headquarters of Akko Local Government Area and is about 40 km from Gombe City. It has several markets that serve the town and surrounding villages.
a. Kumo Cattle Market
Location: On the outskirts of Kumo town
This is where livestock such as cows, goats, and sheep are sold. Butchers, herdsmen, and traders come here every week.
b. Tashar Gwari Market
Location: Inside Kumo town
This market is known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, and other farm produce.
c. Babbar Kasuwa (Main Market)
Location: Central area of Kumo
This is the largest market in Kumo, where you can buy everything from food to clothes to kitchen utensils.
Why these markets matter:
They make it easier for people in Akko LGA to buy and sell locally produced goods. Farmers can sell directly to buyers, and traders from Gombe City and other places often come here to buy items in bulk.
5. Bambam Market
Location: Bambam Town, Kaltungo Local Government Area
Bambam Market is a busy local market where people mainly buy and sell farm produce. It serves many nearby communities.
What you can buy here:
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Tomatoes, garden eggs, onions
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Fruits like oranges and bananas
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Local spices and herbs
Why it is important:
It helps small-scale farmers make money and also gives rural families a place to buy affordable food.
6. Kaltungo Market
Location: Kaltungo town, Gombe State
This market is a general market that is open every day, but the busiest day is the weekly market day. People travel from nearby villages to buy and sell items.
What you can buy here:
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Livestock and poultry
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Fresh and dried food items
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Grains, vegetables, and tubers
Why it is important:
It helps boost local farming and animal rearing, which are the major sources of income in the area.
7. Billiri Market
Location: Billiri Town, Billiri Local Government Area
Billiri Market is mostly known for cowpeas (beans) and other grains. It is held weekly and brings together farmers, traders, and transporters.
What you can buy here:
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Beans, rice, and maize
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Tomatoes, pepper, and onions
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Kola nuts and local herbs
Why it is important:
The market is a major center for the Tangale people and plays a role in promoting local agriculture and trade.
8. Pantami Market
Location: Pantami Road, opposite Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe City.
This is a growing market in one of the new parts of Gombe City. Many young people and business owners like to shop here.
What you can buy here:
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Groceries and drinks
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Kitchen and household items
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Clothing and accessories
Why it is important:
It reduces pressure on the main Gombe Market and makes shopping easier for people living around Pantami.
9. Timber Market (Gombe Timber Market Junction)
Location: Near Army Barracks, along the road to Yalmatu-Deba.
This market is different from others because it focuses on building materials and wood.
What you can buy here:
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Wooden doors, planks, and roofing materials
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Paints, nails, and building tools
Why it is important:
It supports the construction industry in Gombe and nearby towns. Carpenters and builders often come here for supplies.
10. Rural Weekly Markets
In addition to the main city markets, many smaller towns and villages in Gombe State hold weekly markets. These are important for people who live far from the city.
Here are a few of them:
a. Donfa Market
Location: Nafada Local Government Area
Mainly for general goods, livestock, and foodstuff.
b. Kwodom Market
Location: Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area
Famous for local rice, millet, groundnuts, and crafts.
c. Pindiga Market
Location: Akko LGA
Small but busy market serving local communities.
These markets take place on specific days of the week and are vital for rural life. Farmers bring their produce, and buyers come from neighboring towns to trade.
Why Local Markets Are Important in Gombe State
Local markets are more than just places to buy and sell—they support the economy, provide jobs, and help people access affordable goods. Some of the key benefits include:
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Job creation:
From traders to transporters, many people earn a living from market activities. -
Support for farmers:
Farmers can sell their crops and animals directly to consumers or bulk buyers. -
Affordable prices:
Most items are cheaper in markets than in supermarkets. -
Cultural exchange:
Markets bring together people from different ethnic groups, helping them learn from each other. -
Food security:
With regular supply of grains, vegetables, and livestock, local markets help make sure there is enough food for the population.
Tips for Visiting Gombe Markets
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Go early in the morning for fresh food and good prices.
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Bring cash, as most traders don’t accept cards or mobile money.
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Dress modestly and respect local customs.
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If you’re not sure about the price, ask around or compare from different sellers.
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Be careful with your belongings in crowded places.
Final Words
Gombe State is full of lively markets that keep its people fed, clothed, and employed. From the modern International Gombe Market to rural weekly markets in villages like Donfa and Billiri, these markets are the heart of daily life. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, visitor, or farmer, there’s always something to gain from these vibrant places. Supporting local markets means supporting the people and culture of Gombe.
