Taraba state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the North Eastern part of the country.
The capital of Taraba state is Jalingo and the slogan of the state is 'Nature's Gift to the Nation'. The languages that are generally spoken in the state are English, Tiv, and Hausa.
Taraba state shares a border with Benue and Plateau state and an international border with the Republic of Cameron. The ethnic groups in Taraba state are Jukun, Tiv, Hausa, Fulani, Jenjo, Kuteb Chamba, Ichen, Ndoro, Kaka, and Mumuyes people.
Farming, Fishing, carving, cloth weaving, cloth dyeing, mat making, cattle rearing, goat rearing, sheep rearing, pig farming, poultry farming, and rabbit breeding are the mainstay of the people in Taraba state.
Cash crops cultivated in Taraba state are coffee, tea, cotton, and groundnuts. The state is also notable for the cultivation of cassava, maize, millet, rice, yam, and sorghum. The government is the largest employer of labour in the state and they are also working hard to make Taraba state a tourist destination in Nigeria.
With interesting tourist sites like Gumpti Park and Games Reserve in Gashaka, Mambilla Tourist Centre, and the annual Nwunyu Fishing Festival in Taraba state, it is just a matter of time for tourists to start trooping to the state all through the year.
Best Business Opportunities in Taraba State
1. Commercial fishing: Due to the abundance of rivers in and around Taraba state, commercial fishing is one of the potential enterprises an entrepreneur can launch. Most members of the Jukun tribe in Taraba state are fishermen. The annual Nwunyu fishing festival is promoted by the Taraba state government as part of a deliberate attempt to show the world that fishing is celebrated there. All you have to do to succeed in the fishing industry in Taraba State is to establish plans that go beyond just catching fish and selling it to the local market ladies. You may also dry the fish, carefully package it, and transport it to other regions of the nation or even to other West African nations.
2. Travel and Tours Company: If you want to position a business in Taraba State in the future, you should consider opening your Travel and Tours Company there. By doing this, you will support the state government's long-term objective of elevating the region's status as a popular tourism destination in Nigeria. Just make sure you stay up to date on the Taraba state government's tourism policy so you will be aware of how to contribute in a useful way.
3. Mat Making Cottage Company: One of the companies an entrepreneur might start in Taraba state is the Mat Making Cottage Company. When you succeed in starting this kind of business in the state, you must make sure that you sell your goods to the Muslim community there and elsewhere because they are Nigeria's biggest mat consumers.
Related: Most lucrative agricultural business ideas in Nigeria.
4. Cattle, Sheep, and Goat Rearing Business: Cattle, Sheep, and Goat Rearing Business is another lucrative enterprise an entrepreneur might establish in Taraba State. The cost of operating this kind of business in the state is lower, and the profit potential from the raising of cattle, sheep, and goats is significantly higher, particularly if you know how to develop new markets beyond the state.
5. Poultry Farm: Another successful and highly lucrative company an entrepreneur can start in Taraba state is poultry farming. To succeed in this line of work, all you have to do is make sure that your poultry farm has safeguards in place to stop the simple spread of bird diseases. Of course, the climate in Taraba State is perfect for raising chickens.
6. Coffee and Tea Farming: In the state of Taraba, entrepreneurs can start a profitable coffee and tea farming business with little difficulty. The soil type and climatic conditions are ideal for the cultivation of coffee and tea. In Taraba state, you might want to think about creating your coffee and tea plantation if you're interested in agriculture. The truth is that there are markets for tea and coffee outside of Nigeria, and with the right marketing tactics, you may get customers from those regions as well as from other African nations.
7. Rice Production: Rice is another product that grows well in Taraba State. Therefore, you might consider starting a rice farm in Taraba state if you want to possess an investment portfolio in Nigeria's agricultural sector. In Nigeria and most other countries throughout the world, rice is a staple food that is eaten in every home.
8. Bakery Business: One of the businesses an entrepreneur can start in Taraba State and generate significant returns on their investment is a bakery business. All you have to do to succeed in this type of business in Taraba state is to set up your bakery adjacent to a busy road; Jalingo is the perfect place for this kind of enterprise. Additionally, you can promote your goods to the state's stores.
9. Carpentry Workshop: Another successful business an entrepreneur can start in Taraba state is carpentry. Even if there are many carpentry businesses in Taraba state, all you need to do to establish a niche for yourself is start a typical workshop where people may learn the craft. The state of Taraba lacks such institutions of learning.
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10. Business Center: A business centre, where individuals can write and print documents, make photocopies, laminate their documents, send and receive faxes, make phone calls, and scan their documents, is another simple-to-start business that an entrepreneur can open in Taraba state. The state capital of Jalingo is the best location to set up this kind of business.
11. Rice Production: Rice is a common commodity in Taraba State, thus as a savvy investor, you may build a company around the rice industry. Rice is a favorite food of many Nigerians. You can therefore sell to other markets beyond the state and are not limited to the state alone.
12. Barbershop: It's also advised that you operate a barbershop business in Jalingo, the state capital, and other significant cities. If you are skilled at barbecuing, you can be in charge. If you don't have the necessary abilities, you can always hire someone to operate the business for you.
13. Phone Accessories Shop: You can purchase inexpensive phone accessories (such as phone cases, batteries, chargers, power banks, and so on) in large quantities from locations like Lagos and resell them within the state at a profit.
14. School: You might open a school in Jalingo with the lowest feasible tuition. However, be careful not to sacrifice quality because many parents are mainly concerned with providing their children with a high-quality education.
15. Hotel: It is recommended to begin this at Jalingo as well. This is due to the state's frequent visits by famous tourists.
16. Used Clothing: Because used goods cost less than new ones, many individuals prefer to purchase them. As a result, you might establish a business in Taraba State selling gently worn clothing in well-known markets.
17. Fashion Institute: You may start a company that teaches people how to sew dresses and other fashionable clothing. Many women are eager to learn new skills, such as tailoring, and they won't mind doing so in your fashion school. If your prices are reasonable, it is simple to attract customers.
18. Security Firm: While security is still good in some areas of the state, other regions still have security issues, and some tourists to tense areas will be prepared to hire security that is familiar with the area. However, this requires a lot of resources because you need to set up a few crucial structures to conduct business legally in the State.
19. Tricycle Merchant: Tricycles are the primary mode of public transportation in Taraba State. As a result, you can start a business selling tricycles because it is profitable. Without sure, this is a capital-intensive enterprise, but it is also incredibly successful.
20. Restaurant: You can also invest in a classy eatery in Taraba State, ideally in Jalingo, in a prime location. The food industry is often profitable. Just make sure you offer a variety of foods, both domestic and foreign, and you'll have no trouble drawing in customers.
Related: How to get grants for small businesses in Nigeria.
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