The Plateau State Government has begun a strategic assessment of major tourism and heritage sites across the Greater Jos Master Plan as part of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s vision to restore Plateau’s status as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination while leveraging the sector for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with the “Time is Now” Administration’s development agenda, particularly its focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic diversification. It also reinforces government efforts to preserve the state’s unique natural heritage and reposition tourism as a key contributor to the Plateau economy.
Government Inspects Key Tourist Attractions
The inspection tour was led by the Commissioner for Information and Communication and Supervising Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap (mni), alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, Mr. Musa Nyam Agwom, technical officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and representatives of other relevant agencies.
The delegation visited several iconic tourist destinations, including the Gog and Magog rock formations at Shere Hills, Unity Rock in Rayfield, the renowned Riyom Rock Formation, and the historic Mado Tourist Village—a 50-room facility established in 1978 to accommodate visitors to the Jos Wildlife Park and Museum.
Government Raises Concern Over Heritage Site Degradation
One of the major concerns highlighted during the inspection was the reported environmental degradation at the Gog and Magog rock formations, where quarrying activities have allegedly destroyed sections of the landscape once popular for hiking, sightseeing, and picnics.
Speaking after the inspection, Commissioner Ramnap described Plateau State as one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed tourism destinations, stressing that preserving these sites is essential to protecting the state’s identity and unlocking new economic opportunities.
She explained that the assessment would provide the foundation for a comprehensive tourism policy designed to conserve heritage sites, address environmental threats, and promote sustainable tourism development.
According to her, the state government is committed to developing long-term strategies that will ensure these natural assets are preserved for future generations while contributing meaningfully to economic growth.
Greater Jos Master Plan to Prioritise Tourism Assets
Responding to concerns over poor road access, encroachment, and inadequate infrastructure around several tourist locations, the Commissioner said findings from the assessment would inform future government policies on infrastructure development, conservation, and community engagement.
Architect Joseph Yakwan, Director of Building at the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, noted that the assessment would play an important role in integrating tourism assets into the Greater Jos Master Plan.
He explained that properly capturing tourism sites within the master plan would support sustainable urban planning and position tourism as a major driver of future development in Plateau State.
Community Seeks Revival of Riyom Rock
At the famous Riyom Rock Formation, community representative Hon. Terry Davou appealed to the Plateau State Government to restore the landmark, recalling that it attracted thousands of tourists from within Nigeria and abroad during the 1970s and 1980s.
He described the rock formation as one of the state’s most recognisable symbols and expressed optimism that renewed government investment would transform it into a world-class tourism destination capable of boosting the local economy.
Governor Mutfwang’s Vision for Plateau Tourism
The assessment marks the beginning of a broader strategy by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration to protect Plateau State’s natural heritage, integrate tourism into the Greater Jos Master Plan, improve tourism infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen peace through inclusive economic development.
As the government moves from planning to implementation, stakeholders believe the initiative could restore Plateau’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism” while positioning the state as one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism and heritage destinations.
