In 1903, the British, who controlled Northern Nigeria recognized Chief Musa as Lafia's first emir.

The original inhabitants of Lafia are mainly by the Kanuri, Fulani Gwandara, Alago, Migilli (Koro).

The two royal families of Ari and Dallah Dunama of the Kanuri people (Bare-Bari) are the ruling houses of the Lafia Emirate.

The St Williams Cathedral, situated along Jos Road, is the headquarters of the Lafia diocese and still under construction.

It is situated on the trunk railway from Port Harcourt and on the main highway between Makurdi and Jos.

[6][7][8] From January through April, Lafia endures a hot season with daily highs typically exceeding 94°F.

[6][7] In Lafia, the term "growing season" refers to the longest stretch of time of the year during which temperatures are not below freezing (32°F).

With a base of 50°F and a top of 86°F, growing degree days are a measurement of yearly heat accumulation used to forecast plant and animal development.