Makurdi

Nigeria · Africa

About Makurdi

Makurdi is the capital of Benue State, located in central Nigeria, and part of the Middle Belt region of central Nigeria. The city is situated along the Benue River. In 2017, Makurdi's urban population was 517,342.

The town is divided by the River Benue into the north and south banks, which are connected by two bridges: the railway bridge, which was built in 1932, and the new dual carriage bridge commissioned in 1978.

The southern part of the town is made up of several neighborhoods or wards; the Central Ward, Old GRA, Ankpa Ward, Wadata, High Level, Wurukum (Low Level), New GRA, Nyiman layout, Achusa, etc. Important establishments and offices located here include the Government House, The State Secretariat, The Federal Secretariat, The Central Bank of Nigeria Regional headquarters, Commercial Banks, Telecommunication companies, Police Headquarters, Nigeria Prisons Service, Aper Aku Stadium, Nigeria Air Force Base, Makurdi, The Makurdi Modern Market, the Federal Medical Centre, Nigeria Railway Station, Benue Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Radio Benue, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigerian Postal Service, Benue Hotels Makurdi, Benue Plaza Hotel, Benue State University, Benue State Breweries, etc.

The North bank area of the town houses among other establishments, the Federal University of Agriculture, the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, the headquarters of the 72 Airborne Battalion, Akawe Torkula Polytechnic (ATP), and the State Headquarters of the Department of Customs and Excise.

Owing to its location in the valley of River Benue, Makurdi experiences warm temperatures most of the year. The period from November to January, when the harmattan weather is experienced is, however, relatively cool.

Makurdi can be reached by air, rail, road, and water. By road, the major northern route is the Makurdi – Lafia – Jos road. The southern routes are Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu and Makurdi – Yandev – Adikpo – Calabar roads. Traffic from the west comes through Makurdi – Naka – Adoka - Ankpa – Okene roads and from the east through Makurdi – Yandev – Katsina Ala – Wukari roads.

Makurdi travel guide

Understand

Makurdi is more of a political and administrative city than is commercial. It is also a major transport route between the north and south of Nigeria. It is predominantly made up of the Tiv tribe, who have been in leadership since civilian rule, then the Idoma, Igede, Etulo people. The capital is mostly a Christian city, with Muslims and African traditional religion making the minority. The city is quite accommodating as it is the cultural capital of the state. The town is slow, laid-back and there are lots of men around drinking alcohol. As long as you do not go poking into their business, you'll be just fine.

Climate The city is mostly warm with an average temperature of 32°C. There is occasional flooding of the river during high rainfall in the wet season.

Getting there

It is on the main narrow gauge railway line running north from Port Harcourt.

By bus There are regular bus services linking Makurdi to neighbouring towns. Prominent among shuttle service providers are the Benue Links with their park in Makurdi stationed opposite Access Bank at the Wurukum axis of the City and the God's Will Transport Services, Pleasure Travels which is opposite Benue Links, Nyanya Transport Company, Yaman Transport Company. They leave early so be sure to check in on time.

By plane 1 Makurdi Airport (MDI IATA). Major Nigerian airways and other private airlines provide air links from cities like Abuja, Lagos, Calabar, and Port Harcourt. The airport is not very far from the city centre. There are shuttles (private and commercial) that ply the route from the airport to other parts of the city. (updated Mar 2022)

By train Makurdi has a 2 Rail Bridge that provides the only rail link between the northern and eastern parts of Nigeria.

By car Situated in the middle belt of the country, it has major roads that is accessible from all parts of the country. Makurdi to Lafia, Minna, Jos Road in the north. To the south we have the Makurdi to Otukpo, Enugu, Owerri, to Calabar in Cross River State. Very important and a busy route is that which leads to the west. The Makurdi to Yandev to Katsina Ala to Wukari roads.

By boat Makurdi has a river that flows all year round, higher during the rainy season and shallow in some parts during the dry season. There are no high-end sea vessels but one can find engine boats, paddled boats and some steam engine boats.

Getting around

The major means of moving around Makurdi is shuttle mini buses, motorcycles and tricycles (keke-napep). It is best to have a local guide and to not go out at night. Touts can be a nuisance, and street gangs are best avoided. There are two bridges which connect the southern and northern banks of the River Benue. One is the dual carriageway bridge for pedestrians and vehicles while the other is the rail bridge.

By bus The buses ply routes through the city. The cost depends on the length of your trip with the minimum being ₦50. You can get a bus for virtually anywhere in the city centre. Ask what route that they will be taking.

By motorcycle Ahh! The preferred choice of movement if urgency is the word. Bikes are the fastest and can take you to your doorstep, unlike buses. However it is not advisable for long distances as the fare will be really expensive. These bikes are commonly known as Okada. They are quick, cheap, and save a lot of walking. You should try this option if you do not know exactly where you are going as most of them know the city off hat. Negotiation is key. You do not want to be outsmarted as they will quickly know if you are a newbie to town. Before you try to negotiate any transportation fare, always confirm the fare from a local. If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners.

See

1 River Benue Bank. You can stop along the bank of the Benue River here to watch the locals fish with nets in the not exactly pristine water and maybe catch a sunset. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Makurdi Zoological Garden (on the Benue State University campus), ☏ +234 7033326160. This appears to be a rather primitive zoological park with few animals, but it is something to pass the time if here in Makurdi. (updated Jul 2020) 3 Benue State University. A university with 32,000 students (2015). (updated Dec 2021) 4 University of Agriculture Makurdi. (updated Jul 2024) 5 Fun City Park (Fun ciyt), Modern Mkt, Township (By Road), ☏ +234 703 093 3055. 9AM-10PM. It a centre with a lot more of the recreational activities for children and adults. It has a babies swimming pool and other playground. It depends. (updated Aug 2024) 6NOT EXISTING IMAGE Sese Park and Event Center (Sese Park), opposite International Market, Plot 10 Deeper Life Ln, Camp Road, High Level, Makurdi, Benue (By Road), ☏ +234 812 606 4008. 9AM-10PM. A modern design center and park. Its prics are cheap and can do much more for your refreshment. (updated Aug 2024)

Do

1 Aper Aku Stadium. Watch the Lobi Stars F.C. play football. (updated Mar 2022) River Benue. You can go boat cruise on the River Benue (updated Dec 2021) Exodus Cinema, 46 Old Otukpo Rd, High Level. (updated Dec 2021) 2 Saba Film Hall, Walmayo, Asuir, ☏ +234 903 323 2547. (updated Dec 2021)

Buy

1 Wurukum Market. If you want the real deal of an outdoor Nigerian market, this might just fit your bill. Come prepared for the raw, real experience with all the sights and smells. Don't forget the handwipes if you have any. (updated Jul 2020) Sudo Supermarket, Benue State Library, Wurukum. (updated Dec 2021) Dobiac Supermarket, Wurukum. (updated Dec 2021)

Eat

1 Dexters Restaurant, Old Otukpo Rd, Wurukum, ☏ +234 9036011289. Longtime Makurdi establishment. Jollof rice, chicken, yogurt, etc. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Ark City Cafe and Grill, Atoshi Cl Rd, ☏ +234 7067941160. Fairly upscale dining location with shawarma, grills, and fancy drinks. (updated Jul 2020) 3 Ceci restaurant, Senator Akume Way, ☏ +234 803 516 2965. 9AM-11PM. (updated Jan 2022) 4 Madam Dooyan Restaurant, Makurdi - Otupko Rd, ☏ +234 703 670 2672. 9AM-11PM. (updated Jan 2022) 5 Fish World Bar and Grill, Kashim Ibrahim Road, ☏ +234 905 649 5269. Daily 9AM-midnight. Dine in, takeaway and delivery. They offer various foods like rice, chicken, pizza, various sauces, pasta, and spaghetti. (updated Jun 2022) 6 Mama Kasbee Restaurant and Bar, High Level Market, Jonah Jang Cres, High Level. Daily 10AM - 9PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer various Nigeria cuisine like rice, chicken, swallows with local and traditional foods. (updated Jun 2022) 7 Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Doo Palace Hotel, No.1 Father Hunter Street, High Level, ☏ +234 909 551 1517. Daily 10AM - 9PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer foods like okro, ogbo, rice, chicken and chips also various drinks and yogurt. (updated Jun 2022) 8 Outdoor Restaurant, 19/21 Doki Street, High Level. Daily 8AM - 10PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer various foods like Jollof rice, chicken,Suya and also native traditional soups. (updated Jun 2022) 9 Dexter's Restaurant, 2 Old Otukpo Rd, Low Level, ☏ +234 706 634 1247. Daily 8AM - 10PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer contemporary African foods like rice,fried and Jollof rice and also native traditional soups alongside swallows. (updated Jun 2022) 10 Doo Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Road. Daily 10AM - 9PM. Dine in and delivery. They offer contemporary and native traditional foods Alongside snack and drinks. (updated Jun 2022) 11 Calabar Kitchen, Wukari Road. Daily 8AM - 10PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer various contemporary and native traditional dishes. (updated Jun 2022) 12 Chahms Grill Sensation, 4 Old Otukpo Rd, Wurukum, ☏ +234 802 733 6133. Daily 8AM - 10PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer contemporary and Native traditional foods. (updated Jun 2022) 13 After 4 Restaurant, Orti Bende Street. Daily 10AM - 9PM. Dine in and takeaway. They sell food like rice, Okro, Ogbono soup and various types of native dish. (updated Jun 2022) 14 Aver Restaurant, High Level. Daily 10AM - 9PM. Dine in and takeaway. They offer foods like rice, Ogbono, okra and other Native soups. (updated Jun 2022) 15 Madam Ruth Restaurant, npsc makurdi depot, ☏ +234 816 923 6189. Din

Drink & nightlife

Bush Bar, Ankpa - Aukpa Rd. (updated Dec 2021) Madam Sarah Beer Palour, wadata maurdi, No 6 Port Harcourt street, behind Mc Carthy Stadium. (updated Dec 2021) Balcony Garden Resort, No2 George akume Road,near catholic youth centre, Makurdi, ☏ +234 703 620 1299. (updated Dec 2021) 1 Kings Spot, George Akume Way, Kanshio, ☏ +234 810 596 0247. Daily 9AM-11PM. Bar. (updated Jan 2022)

Sleep

1 Benue Hotels & Resort, 57 Ahmadu Bello Way, Old GRA, ☏ +234 902 122 6645. This is a well-liked hotel with some class. It has a restaurant, pool (complete with peacocks, mind you), gym, and comfortable interior halls. May be a little pricey according to some. (updated Dec 2021) Hallydays Hotel and Resort, 16 Daniel Shinyi Street, Township, ☏ +234 0803 622 8492. (updated Dec 2021) Greenbelt Hotels Ltd, Off Abu King Shuluwa Road, ☏ +234 703 199 9166. (updated Dec 2021) Kimbis International Hotel, Old Otukpo Road, Walmayo, ☏ +234 813 910 1002. (updated Dec 2021) Terenso Hotel, Along Achusa Road Nyiman Layout. (updated Dec 2021) Hotel Reuphina, 33 Emmanuel Mende Close Off, Kashim Ibrahim Road. (updated Dec 2021) 2 Nature's Garden Hotel, Kanshio. (updated Jan 2022)

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.