Tarkighir Dickson Dominic

Dickson Dominic Tarkighir, born on 12 April 1969, is a Nigerian politician representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He attended St. Thomas Primary School Ibume from 1976 to 1981 and later graduated from Nongov Community Secondary School in 1986 with a Senior Secondary School Certificate.

Tarkighir studied Business Administration at Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University) between 1998 and 2003, earning his bachelor’s degree. He then obtained an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University in 2008.

Between 1988 and 1995, he worked as an apprentice at Mojo Electronics and later with Okada Air before establishing Dasnett Mobile Services during GSM expansion. He also managed Triggar and Gibbons Ltd, a logistics and advertising firm, and operated District 4 Lounge.

Initially affiliated with the PDP, Tarkighir served as Senior Special Assistant on Industries to Benue State Governor from 2009–2014 before resigning to contest for a National Assembly seat. He later joined APC after losing a primary election against John Tondo.

Won APC’s nomination in 2015, securing his House of Representatives seat representing Makurdi/Guma. His tenure included advocacy for legislative independence and debates on budget reforms, ghost workers replacement, and disaster relief efforts.

He sponsored bills like the creation of a cattle ranches department under Agriculture and amendments to health policies. Projects in his constituency include solar-powered infrastructure, youth empowerment programs, and road rehabilitation.

Known for vocal opposition to herdsmen violence, Tarkighir criticized federal government responses, called for international aid for IDPs, and urged Benue State emergency declarations.

He defected from APC to PDP in 2018 but returned in January 2019 after believing federal peace efforts had pacified his constituency. His qualifications include a GCE, bachelor’s degree, and MBA.