The people were mainly farmers, fishermen, and traders.
And their farm products were yams and potatoes. On the other hand, the trading activities there took place along the Niger-Kaduna Rivers. Thus, their trading partners were from Idah, Jukun, Yoruba, Borno and Hausa land.
The articles of trade were kola, salt, fish, slaves, horses, clothes, dye works, iron and copper utensils, etc.
Furthermore, Baba area of Nupe was full of blacksmithing industries. The people of Nupe equally served as middle men between Hausa people and the coastal people.