History

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in east-central Nigeria, is located on the southern bank of the Benue River. Established around 1927 when the railway from Port Harcourt was extended to Jos and Kaduna, the town quickly developed into a transportation and market hub. In 1976, after the division of Benue-Plateau State, Makurdi was chosen as the capital of Benue State.

A key infrastructure feature of the city is the 0.8-kilometer-long rail and road bridge (built in 1932) across the Benue River, which solidified its role as a transit point. The city is part of Nigeria’s main highway network, has an airport, and serves as a major transshipment point for cattle from the northern states. During the high-water season from June to November, Makurdi functions as a port, facilitating the transportation of goods such as sesame seeds and cotton to Lokoja and Niger Delta ports.

The city is a trade center for agricultural products grown by the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede people, including yams, sorghum, millet, rice, cassava, shea nuts, sesame oil, peanuts, soybeans, and cotton. A boatyard in Makurdi produces medium-sized rivercraft, and an oil pipeline from the refinery near Port Harcourt was constructed in the late 1970s. Additionally, extensive limestone and marble deposits are found in the surrounding area, with a cement plant located in Gboko, southeast of the city.

Makurdi is home to Benue State University, the Federal University of Agriculture, the Assemblies of God Comprehensive College, and a government craft school. The city has a hospital, and the Benue State radio broadcasting service operates from there. Makurdi also serves as the headquarters of the Lower Benue River Basin Authority. Estimated urban population (2016): 365,000.