Plateau State Government has commenced a comprehensive assessment of key tourist and heritage sites within the proposed Greater Jos Master Plan as part of efforts to preserve the state’s natural attractions, promote tourism, diversify the economy, and create jobs.
The inspection tour, conducted on Tuesday, 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, and officials from the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development and other relevant agencies.
The exercise, according to the government, aligns with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s “Time is Now” agenda, which prioritizes tourism, hospitality, and economic diversification while restoring Plateau’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Stanley Smiles, the Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, disclosed.
The delegation visited several iconic sites, including the Gog and Magog rock formations at Shere Hills, Unity Rock in Rayfield, the Riyom Rock Formation, and the historic Mado Tourist Village, a 50-room facility established in 1978 to serve visitors to the Jos Wildlife Park and Museum.
Officials expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of some of the attractions, particularly the Gog and Magog rock formations, where quarrying activities have reportedly damaged sections of the landscape previously known for hiking and recreational activities.
Speaking after the inspection, Ramnap described Plateau as one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed tourism destinations, stressing the need for deliberate policies to protect its heritage while harnessing its economic potential.
She said the ongoing assessment would ensure tourism assets are incorporated into the Greater Jos Master Plan and guide the formulation of a comprehensive tourism policy focused on conservation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth.
“It is not just about identifying these locations. We want to establish policies that will protect them, assess their strengths and threats, and create long-term development strategies that will stand the test of time,” she said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the government would investigate the activities of the quarry company operating at the Gog and Magog site following observations that the extent of damage appeared to exceed approved limits.
“It is sad to see such an important natural attraction being tampered with. Government will look into the matter and take appropriate steps to protect the site,” she added.
Ramnap encouraged tourists, hikers, and residents to continue exploring Plateau’s natural attractions, describing them as valuable assets for recreation, wellness, and economic development.
Addressing concerns over poor road access and encroachment around some of the sites, she said findings from the inspection would inform policies on infrastructure development, conservation, and community partnerships.
Also speaking, the Director of Building in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Joseph Yakwan, said the assessment would support the preparation of the Greater Jos Master Plan by ensuring tourism assets are fully integrated into the state’s long-term urban development framework.
At the Riyom Rock Formation, community representative Hon. Terry Davou appealed to the state government to restore the landmark, recalling that it attracted visitors from across Nigeria and beyond during the 1970s and 1980s.
He described the rock formation as one of Plateau State’s enduring symbols and urged the government to develop it into a world-class tourist destination.
The inspection marks the beginning of a broader strategy by the Mutfwang administration to protect Plateau’s natural heritage, strengthen tourism, and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.
