Major markets in Benue State are Wurukum, Gboko, Zaki Biam, Tyowanye, Agbo (Vandeikya), Ihugh, Adikpo, Wannune, Katsina Ala, Otukpo.

Others are:

• Idokpo
• Oweto
• Ugbokpo
• Tyowanye
• Gboko
• Gbajimba
• Aliade
• Naka
• Tor Donga
• Agberagba
• Adikpo
• Ugba   
• Modern
•  Wurukum
• High Level
• Ihieokwu
• Ukwo Otukpa
• Onyagede
• Ihiejwo
• Afor  Ugbokolo
• Otukpo  
• Wannune
• Zaki-Biam
• Lessel
• Agbo

Benue is a State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, nicknamed the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its great agricultural produce. The state produces a variety of crops like yams, rice, soybeans, cassava, and maize, as well as livestock and fishery activities.

It has several major markets that serve as centers for trade, not just within the state but also across Nigeria and the world.

Benue State’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, and its markets reflect the state’s agricultural prowess. From the massive yam markets like Zaki Biam and Gboko to regional centers like Otukpo and Agasha, these markets are essential not only for local trade but also for national and international commerce. They provide critical platforms for the sale and distribution of food products, thereby supporting livelihoods and sustaining the state’s role as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.” As these markets continue to grow, they will remain central to the economic development of Benue State and the broader Nigerian economy.

Major markets in Benue State and the location, market days and the Local Government Areas where the markets are found

Below are some of the major markets with their locations, market days and Local Government Areas (LGA):

1. Wurukum Market

Wurukum Market is particularly known for its variety of agricultural produce, especially yams, a staple crop in the state.

• Location: Makurdi, the state capital
• Overview: Wurukum Market is one of the largest and most popular markets in Benue State. Located in the heart of the state capital, this market is a bustling center for commerce where you can find a wide range of products including food items, clothing, electronics, and household goods. Given its strategic location in Makurdi, Wurukum Market draws buyers and sellers from different parts of the state and even from neighboring states.

2. Gboko Market

The market is an important economic center, playing a significant role in the country’s yam export market. Traders from across Nigeria come to Gboko to purchase yams, which are then transported to different parts of the country and even exported.

• Location: Gboko
• Overview: Gboko Yam Market is one of the largest yam markets not only in Benue State but in Nigeria as a whole. Benue is known for yam production, and Gboko serves as a major hub for the distribution of yams to other parts of Nigeria and beyond.

3. Zaki Biam Yam Market

This market serves as a vital economic hub for the local population and is crucial to the yam trade in Nigeria. The peak season for the market usually coincides with the yam harvesting period, making it a major center for yam exportation.

• Location: Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA
• Overview: Zaki Biam is the largest yam market in Africa and one of the most significant in the world. It is often called the “Yam Capital of the World” due to the sheer volume of yams traded there. The market attracts traders from far and wide, including other parts of Nigeria, as well as international buyers.

4. Otukpo Market

The market serves as a gateway to trade between Benue and the neighboring southern states of Nigeria. It plays a significant role in the economy of Otukpo town and surrounding communities.

• Location: Otukpo
• Overview: Otukpo is one of the prominent towns in Benue State, and its central market is an important trading hub for agricultural products, textiles, and other goods. Otukpo Market is a center for buying and selling local produce such as cassava, maize, and vegetables.

5. Wannune Market

The market is a vital economic driver in the Tarka area, promoting local trade and serving as a gathering point for farmers to sell their produce.

• Location: Wannune, the capital of Tarka LGA
• Overview: This is a smaller but important market known for agricultural products, particularly grains and tubers. It serves as a regional center for trade among the rural farming communities of Tarka Local Government Area.

6. Agasha Market

This market has a strong focus on agricultural trade and is an essential hub for the local population, serving as a point for both retail and wholesale transactions.

• Location: Agasha, Guma LGA
• Overview: Agasha Market is a key trading point in the Guma Local Government Area. It is well-known for the sale of crops like rice, maize, and soybeans, which are abundant in this part of the state.

7. Adikpo Market

 The market has a strong regional influence and contributes significantly to the local economy, particularly in agricultural trade.

• Location: Adikpo, Kwande LGA
• Overview: Adikpo Market is one of the largest markets in Kwande Local Government Area. It is known for its vibrant trade in foodstuffs, livestock, and other agricultural products. Traders from nearby states often come to Adikpo to buy and sell goods.

8. Katsina-Ala Market

 The market plays a major role in the movement of goods along the river and supports trade routes that extend into neighboring regions.

• Location: Katsina-Ala
• Overview: Katsina-Ala Market is another significant agricultural market in Benue State. Located along the Benue River, this market is a hub for agricultural goods, including yams, grains, and fruits. The town itself is a crucial transit point for traders moving goods between the southeastern and northeastern parts of Nigeria.

9. Buruku Market

 The market is essential for the local economy, particularly in the areas of food and livestock trade.

• Location: Buruku, Buruku LGA
• Overview: Buruku Market is known for its focus on agricultural and livestock trade. Farmers and traders from the rural areas surrounding Buruku come to this market to sell their goods, making it a key center for agricultural trade in Benue State.

10. Aliade Market

The market facilitates the trade of agricultural goods and has a strong influence on the local economy, providing an important source of income for farmers and traders in the area.

• Location: Aliade, the capital of Gwer East LGA
• Overview: Aliade Market is a bustling trading center in Gwer East Local Government Area. It is known for the trade of grains, tubers, and vegetables. It serves as an important market for the people of Gwer East and neighboring communities.

The Role of Markets in Benue’s Economy

Markets in Benue State are critical to its economy, as they are the primary points for the distribution of its abundant agricultural products. These markets not only support local trade but also connect the state to national and international markets. Some key roles these markets play include:

• Agricultural Export: Benue’s markets, particularly those in yam production areas like Zaki Biam and Gboko, are vital for yam exportation, both domestically and internationally.
• Job Creation: These markets create thousands of jobs in sectors such as farming, transportation, retail, and food processing.
• Trade Networks: The major markets in Benue are hubs for trade across state and national borders, linking Nigeria’s agricultural sector to neighboring West African countries.
• Cultural Exchange: The markets also serve as social and cultural centers where people from different ethnic backgrounds and communities interact, facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering communal harmony.