Makurdi

Makurdi
Motto: Food Basket of the Nation
Makurdi Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 7°43′50″N 8°32′10″E / 7.73056°N 8.53611°E / 7.73056; 8.53611Coordinates: 7°43′50″N 8°32′10″E / 7.73056°N 8.53611°E / 7.73056; 8.53611
Country	Nigeria
State	Benue State

Makurdi is the capital of Benue State in Nigeria. The city is located in central Nigeria along the Benue river bank and was the base for the Nigerian Air Force's MiG 21 and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft squadrons. As of 2007 Makurdi had an estimated population of 500,797. ^[1]

Demographics

The major ethnic groups are the Tiv, Idoma and Igede.

Education

Makurdi is home to Benue State University and the Federal University of Agriculture.

Transport

Makurdi is located on the banks of Benue River, a major tributary of the Niger River. It is also located on the main narrow gauge railway line running north from Port Harcourt, although this is not currently working. There are regular bus services linking Makurdi to neighbouring towns.

Until a bridge was built in 1932, a train ferry was used to cross the Benue river.

Agriculture

Benue State is predominantly an agricultural catchment area specialising in cash crops, subsistence crops, and a variety of potentials

Potentials

Benue State has huge potentials in human, capital & material resource and a veritable source of raw materials for processing plants and manufacturing industries.

^[2]

References

1. ^ ""The World Gazetteer"". http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?men=gpro&des=gamelan&geo=351846853. Retrieved 2007-04-06. 
2. ^ http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r130.html