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Taraba

“Nature's Gift to the Nation”

Capital Jalingo
Zone North East
LGAs 16
Population 3,400,000
2026 Budget ₦653.5B
🏠 16 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Taraba

Taraba State is located in North-East Nigeria and is known as the “Nature’s Gift to the Nation” due to its rich landscapes, mountains, and agricultural potential. The state shares borders with Cameroon and is one of Nigeria’s most ecologically diverse regions.
Historical Background
The land that is today Taraba State sits at one of the most historically significant crossroads in West Africa. Long before the arrival of European explorers or Islamic reformers, this highland and riverine territory was home to dozens of indigenous peoples whose origins stretch … Read full history →

Explore Taraba State

🏠
16 LGAs
Local Govts
📄
State Budget
2026: ₦653.5B
🕐
State History
Created 1991
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
🌏
State Map
Interactive map
📍
Postal Codes
All LGA codes
👤
Officials
Governor & reps
🏋
Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Taraba

Official nameTaraba
Capital city Jalingo
Slogan / MottoNature's Gift to the Nation
Geo-political zone North East
Local govt areas 16 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,400,000
Population density 62 / km²
Total area 54,473 km²
First governor Colonel Bala Magayaki
2026 budget ₦653.5B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Taraba

The capital city of Taraba State is Jalingo. It is the seat of the Taraba State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Taraba State has 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Taraba State has a population of 3,400,000. The state capital Jalingo is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 62 persons per km².
Taraba State is in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Taraba State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Bala Magayaki. Learn more on the Taraba State History page.
The Taraba State budget for 2026 is ₦653.5B. See the full breakdown on the Taraba State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Taraba State covers a total land area of 54,473 km². With a population density of 62 people per km².

Government Structure

Taraba State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state also works closely with traditional rulers across its diverse ethnic groups, ensuring grassroots governance and cultural representation.

Current Officials

Bulus Maza
Commissioner for Finance
PDP
Since 2023
Aminu Tukur
Deputy Governor
APC
Since 2023
Agbu Kefas
Governor
APC
Since 2023
Yusuf Ayuba Fulatan
State Assembly Speaker
PDP
Since 2023

Economy of Taraba

The economy of Taraba State is largely driven by agriculture. Key products include tea, coffee, rice, maize, yam, and cattle rearing. The Mambilla Plateau also supports hydroelectric potential and tourism development.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 3 million people. The state is highly diverse with ethnic groups such as Jukun, Mumuye, Fulani, and Tiv.
3,400,000
Population
54,473
Area km²
62
Per km²
16
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Taraba

Taraba State is rich in cultural heritage and natural attractions. Key sites include the Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria’s largest national park), and various colorful cultural festivals across ethnic groups.

Local Government Areas in Taraba

16 LGAs

Ardo-Kola
HQ: Lau
106,000
Population

Known for the Chamba and Fulani people. Cattle rearing and sorghum farming are main occupations.

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Bali
HQ: Bali
115,000
Population

Known for the Mumuye people and yam, sorghum farming. Agricultural LGA in central Taraba.

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Donga
HQ: Donga
132,000
Population

Known for the Tiv, Jukun and Fulani people. Commercial LGA in southern Taraba State.

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Gashaka
HQ: Serti
90,000
Population

Home to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigerias largest national park. Known for wildlife and ecotourism.

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Gassol
HQ: Gassol
179,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and sorghum farming. The Jukun people have strong cultural heritage.

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Ibi
HQ: Ibi
132,000
Population

Known for the Jukun people and fishing along the Benue River. Historic Jukun kingdom town.

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Jalingo
HQ: Jalingo
253,000
Population

Contains Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. Home to Taraba State University and government offices.

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Karim Lamido
HQ: Karim
148,000
Population

Known for the Fulani and Kanuri people. Cattle rearing and sorghum farming are main occupations.

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Kumi
HQ: Kumi
82,000
Population

Small LGA known for the Wurkum and Yandang people. Agricultural activities are main occupation.

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Lau
HQ: Lau
110,000
Population

Riverine LGA on the Benue River, known for fishing and the Chamba people cultural heritage.

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Sardauna
HQ: Gembu
165,000
Population

Mountainous LGA bordering Cameroon, known for the Mambilla Plateau, cattle and tea farming.

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Takum
HQ: Takum
168,000
Population

Known for the Kuteb and Jukun people. Commercial LGA in southern Taraba bordering Benue State.

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Ussa
HQ: Ussa
100,000
Population

Known for the Tiv and Kuteb people. Agricultural LGA in southern Taraba State.

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Wukari
HQ: Wukari
215,000
Population

Historic seat of the Jukun kingdom (Kwararafa empire). Known for the Aku Uka palace.

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Yorro
HQ: Yorro
112,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and sorghum farming. The Yoro people have distinct cultural practices.

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Zing
HQ: Zing
130,000
Population

Known for the Mumuye people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in central Taraba State.

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History of Taraba State

The land that is today Taraba State sits at one of the most historically significant crossroads in West Africa. Long before the arrival of European explorers or Islamic reformers, this highland and riverine territory was home to dozens of indigenous peoples whose origins stretch back thousands of ye…
Historical Kingdoms: Kwararafa (Jukun) Kingdom, Muri Emirate, Mumuye chieftaincies, Chamba Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Taraba →

2026 Appropriation

₦653.5B
Total Budget — Taraba State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Taraba State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Taraba State under Governor Agbu Kefas totals ₦653.5B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Taraba State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →