Lau is a Local Government Area in Taraba State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Lau and the area is dominated by Winlau people. Lau Local government has a border with Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Yorro and Zing local governments of Taraba state. It also shares a border with Numan, Adamawa State.

Etymology

The name of the town literally means ‘mud’ in the local Lau language.

Geography

It has an area of 1,660 km2 and a population of 149,700 at the 2022 census. The postal code of the area is 662.

Climate

The wet season is oppressive, with temperature ranging from 61°F to 100°F year round, rarely dropping below 56°F or above 106°F. With an average daily high temperature of exceeding 97°F, the hot season spans 2.3 months, from February 6 to April 15. With an average high temperature of 100°F and low temperature of 75°F, March is the hottest month of the year in Lau. The 3.5-month chilly season, which runs from June 25 to October 10th, has daily highs that are typically lower than 87°F. December is the coldest month of the year in Lau, with an average high temperature of 92°F and low temperature of 63°F.

Cloud

Throughout the year, there is a noticeable seasonal change in the average percentage of cloud cover in Lau. In Lau, the clearer portion of the year starts about October 30 and lasts for 4.2 months, concluding around March 4. In Lau, January is the clearest month of the year with 53% of the sky being clear, fairly clear, or partly overcast on average. The cloudier portion of the year starts about March 4 and lasts for 7.8 months, finishing about October 30. In Lau, May is the cloudiest month of the year, with 81% of the sky being cloudy or partly cloudy on average.

Languages

Local languages spoken in Lau LGA are: