Makurdi is the capital of Benue State, on the banks of the Benue River, the largest tributary of the Niger. The river gives the state its name, and the city grew as a river port and railway crossing.
Benue State calls itself the "Food Basket of the Nation" because of its huge harvests of yams, rice, soybeans, sesame and citrus. It is the homeland of the Tiv, Idoma and Igede peoples, known for vibrant music, dance and theatre.
Top things to do in Makurdi
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See the Benue River and bridges
Makurdi has two bridges across the wide Benue River, including an old railway bridge from the colonial era. In the dry season, sandbanks appear in the river and become places to relax, fish and watch the sunset.
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Watch Kwagh-hir theatre
Kwagh-hir is a Tiv performance tradition combining puppetry, masquerades, storytelling, music and dance, often with large, colourful puppets. It is performed at cultural festivals and special events.
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Discover Tiv dance and cloth
Tiv dances such as Swange are lively and widely performed at celebrations. A'nger, the black-and-white striped Tiv cloth, is worn at ceremonies and sold in local markets.
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Visit the markets
Makurdi's markets show off Benue's farm produce: piles of yams, oranges, rice, groundnuts and sesame, as well as fresh fish from the river.
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See the zoological garden
Makurdi has a zoological garden with animals and birds in a green setting, a popular outing for families and school groups.
Festivals and culture
Benue cultural festivals feature Kwagh-hir puppet theatre, Swange and other Tiv dances, and masquerades from Idoma and Igede communities. Christmas and New Year are major celebrations, with homecomings and church events.
Food to try
Benue yams are famous, so try pounded yam, often with beniseed (sesame) soup, a Tiv favourite. Also try fresh fish from the Benue River, pepper soup, and the oranges and other fruit sold everywhere in season.
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season, when the river sandbanks appear. The rainy season runs from about April to October, and Makurdi is one of the hottest cities in Nigeria from February to April.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the city. Makurdi is about four to five hours from Abuja by road. Check local advice before travelling to rural areas.
Questions about Makurdi
Why is Benue called the Food Basket of the Nation?
Because it produces large amounts of yams, rice, soybeans, sesame, citrus and other crops for markets across Nigeria.
What is Kwagh-hir?
It is a Tiv theatre tradition combining puppetry, masquerades, storytelling, music and dance.
How do I find events in Makurdi?
Browse upcoming festivals, concerts, parties and free events in Makurdi on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
