Plateau State, Nigeria

Plateau State

"The Home of Peace and Tourism"

At a Glance

CapitalJos
Geopolitical ZoneNorth Central
Date CreatedFebruary 3, 1976
Created FromCreated in 1976 from the former Benue-Plateau State
Area26,899 km²
GovernorCaleb Manasseh Mutfwang (PDP) — since 2023
NicknameHome of Peace and Tourism
No. of LGAs17

Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism, is a North Central Nigerian state centred on the scenic Jos Plateau. Created on 3 February 1976, the state is famous for its high altitude, cool climate, spectacular rock formations, diverse ethnic communities, agriculture, mining heritage, tourism attractions and the historic city of Jos.

Jos is the capital and largest urban centre. Plateau has 17 Local Government Areas spread across Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South Senatorial Districts. Explore the state's history, geography, culture, economy, traditional institutions, tourism attractions, education, notable people and all 17 LGAs.

History of Plateau State

Pre-Colonial Plateau — Indigenous Peoples and Ancient Settlements

The history of present-day Plateau State predates the creation of the modern state by many centuries. The region has historically been inhabited by numerous ethnic groups including the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Mwaghavul, Ngas, Tarok, Goemai, Bokkos, Mupun, Irigwe, Ron, Aten, Pan, Kwalla and many other communities.

These communities developed independent political and social systems based on village institutions, clan structures, traditional authorities, farming communities and local trade networks. The highlands, valleys and fertile plains of the region supported agriculture while the mineral-bearing rocks of the Jos Plateau later attracted mining activity.

The diversity of Plateau is one of its defining characteristics. Rather than developing under a single traditional empire, the area evolved through numerous indigenous societies with their own languages, customs, religious practices, festivals and systems of leadership.

Colonial Plateau — Tin Mining and the Growth of Jos

British colonial influence expanded into the Plateau region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of the most important developments was the discovery and large-scale exploitation of tin deposits on the Jos Plateau.

Commercial mining attracted workers, traders and migrants from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. The development of mining settlements and transport infrastructure contributed to the rapid growth of Jos, which became one of the most important urban centres in northern Nigeria.

The railway and road networks connected Jos with other parts of the country, allowing minerals and agricultural products to reach wider markets. Mining also transformed the demographic character of the region as different ethnic and religious communities settled in and around Jos.

Colonial administration relied on a mixture of indirect rule, district administration and local authorities. Christian missionary activity also expanded, leading to the establishment of schools, churches and medical facilities.

Benue-Plateau State — The Region Before 1976

Following Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory that later became Plateau State formed part of the Northern Region. In 1967, the military government created Benue-Plateau State as part of a nationwide restructuring of Nigeria.

The new state combined the present-day Plateau and Benue areas. Jos served as the capital and remained an important administrative, commercial and mining centre.

Political, administrative and cultural differences within the large Benue-Plateau territory contributed to demands for further state creation. The restructuring of 1976 eventually resulted in the creation of Plateau State as a separate state.

Creation of Plateau State — 1976

Plateau State was created on 3 February 1976 by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed. The new state was carved out of the former Benue-Plateau State, with Jos retained as its capital.

The creation of Plateau State gave the diverse communities of the Jos Plateau and surrounding areas a dedicated state administration. Over time, the state underwent further administrative restructuring and eventually developed its current 17 Local Government Areas.

The state's identity became closely associated with the Jos Plateau, its high altitude, cool climate, scenic landscapes, agricultural production and mining history.

Modern Plateau — Agriculture, Tourism, Education and Governance

Modern Plateau State has evolved beyond its historic dependence on tin mining. Agriculture, tourism, education, public administration, commerce, construction and small-scale manufacturing are now important parts of the economy.

The state is one of Nigeria's major producers of Irish potatoes, vegetables, tomatoes, maize, rice, fruits and other agricultural products. The highland climate around Jos and neighbouring areas supports crops that are difficult to grow in many warmer parts of Nigeria.

Tourism remains central to the state's identity. Major attractions include Jos Wildlife Park, National Museum Jos, Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture, Shere Hills, Riyom Rock, Wase Rock, Kerang Highlands, Assop Falls and the scenic landscapes of the Jos Plateau.

Plateau is also an important educational centre, with institutions including the University of Jos, Plateau State University, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Federal College of Land Resources Technology and several colleges and specialised institutions.

Geography of Plateau State

Topography

Plateau State occupies a highland region in central Nigeria. The Jos Plateau dominates the northern-central part of the state, with elevations commonly exceeding 1,000 metres above sea level. The landscape includes hills, rocky outcrops, valleys, grasslands and highland plains.

The Shere Hills near Jos reach approximately 1,800 metres above sea level and form one of the most prominent high points in Nigeria. Other notable geological features include Riyom Rock and Wase Rock.

Rivers & Waterways

The Jos Plateau serves as an important watershed for several major river systems in northern Nigeria. Rivers associated with the region include the Kaduna, Gongola, Hadejia and Yobe systems, as well as numerous smaller streams and tributaries.

Forests & Vegetation

Vegetation varies from highland grassland and savanna to woodland and cultivated landscapes. The cooler upland environment supports intensive vegetable farming, potato cultivation and other crops. Lower areas toward the southern part of the state contain broader savanna and agricultural landscapes.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry with highland climate influence

Plateau has one of the coolest climates in Nigeria because of its elevation. Jos and surrounding highland areas can experience temperatures significantly lower than many lowland Nigerian cities, especially during the dry-season Harmattan months. The rainy season generally occurs between April and October, while the dry season extends from November into March.

Bordering States

Plateau State shares boundaries with: Kaduna, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue.

Culture & People of Plateau State

Ethnic Groups

Plateau State is one of Nigeria's most ethnically diverse states, with more than 50 ethnic groups. Major indigenous groups include the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Mwaghavul, Ngas, Tarok, Goemai, Bokkos, Mupun, Irigwe, Ron, Aten, Pan, Kwalla and several others.

Languages

Plateau has a large number of indigenous languages. Berom, Mwaghavul, Ngas, Tarok, Goemai, Afizere, Anaguta and other local languages remain important markers of cultural identity. Hausa and English are also widely used for communication, commerce and administration.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major cultural celebrations include the Nzem Berom Festival, Pus Nzem Festival, Afizere cultural celebrations, Bit-Gong Festival, Nzem Gwom and numerous local harvest and traditional festivals. Christmas, Easter, Eid celebrations and other religious events are also widely observed.

Traditional Food

Traditional Plateau cuisine includes tuwo, masa, acha-based dishes, yam, maize, millet, guinea corn, rice, vegetables, potatoes, beans and locally prepared soups. Irish potatoes and vegetables are particularly associated with the highland agricultural economy around Jos.

Traditional Attire

Traditional clothing varies significantly between ethnic groups. Common ceremonial clothing includes embroidered garments, wrappers, caps, beads and locally designed fabrics. Traditional attire is particularly prominent during festivals, weddings, coronations and cultural events.

Music & Dance

Music and dance vary between Plateau's many ethnic communities. Drums, flutes, rattles and string instruments are used during cultural celebrations. Traditional dances often accompany harvest festivals, weddings, initiation ceremonies and royal events.

Arts & Crafts

Plateau communities maintain traditions of weaving, pottery, basketry, wood carving, leatherwork, beadwork, metalwork and other crafts. Contemporary artists in Jos have also contributed significantly to Nigeria's modern visual arts and literary culture.

Traditional Rulers of Plateau State

Berom Kingdom

LGA: Jos North

The Gbong Gwom Jos is the traditional paramount institution associated with the Berom people. The institution has played an important role in the cultural and traditional affairs of communities across the Jos Plateau.

Anaguta Traditional Institution

LGA: Jos North

The Anaguta traditional institution represents one of the indigenous communities of the Jos area. Its traditional leadership remains important in cultural preservation and community affairs.

Afizere Traditional Institution

LGA: Jos East

The Agwom Izere is the traditional institution associated with the Afizere people. The institution preserves cultural traditions and provides a link between indigenous customs and modern community administration.

Pankshin Traditional Institution

LGA: Pankshin

The Ngas traditional institution is an important cultural authority among the Ngas-speaking communities of Plateau Central. Traditional festivals, customs and community leadership remain central to the institution.

Wase Traditional Institution

LGA: Wase

The traditional institution of Wase has a long history dating to the nineteenth century. Wase developed as a significant traditional and commercial settlement and remains an important cultural centre in southern Plateau.

Economy of Plateau State

Plateau State has a diversified economy based on agriculture, mining, tourism, education, commerce, public administration, construction and small and medium-sized enterprises. The highland environment gives the state a comparative advantage in vegetable and potato production.

Agriculture

Major agricultural products include Irish potatoes, tomatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, maize, rice, yam, cassava, beans, millet, guinea corn, fruits and vegetables. Livestock production, poultry and dairy farming are also important. Plateau's agricultural products supply markets in Jos and other parts of Nigeria.

Natural Resources

Plateau is historically famous for tin and columbite mining. Other mineral resources associated with the state include tantalite, kaolin, clay, lead, zinc, barite, granite, marble and other solid minerals. Mining remains economically important but environmental management is a major concern because of historic mining activities.

Industries

Industrial activity includes food processing, agro-processing, construction materials, furniture, textiles, mining-related activities, hospitality and small-scale manufacturing. Jos also has a significant service economy supported by education, government, healthcare, tourism and commerce.

Commerce & Trade

Jos is the principal commercial centre. Other important markets and trading centres are found in Bukuru, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Pankshin, Shendam, Langtang, Wase, Bokkos, Kafanchan Road corridor communities and other LGA headquarters.

Government of Plateau State

Since its creation, Plateau State has been governed by the following:

# Name Party Period Note
1 Caleb Mutfwang APC 2023 — Present
2 Musa Umar 1976 — 1978 Military Governor of Plateau State during the early years following state creation.
3 Audu Bako 1978 — 1979 Military Governor during the final phase of military administration before the Second Republic.
4 Solomon Lar NPN 1979 — 1983 First elected civilian Governor of Plateau State during the Second Republic.
5 Chris Alli 1984 — 1985 Military Governor during the Buhari military administration.
6 Lawrence Onoja 1985 — 1986 Military Governor of Plateau State.
7 John Yahaya Madaki 1986 — 1987 Military Governor during the Babangida administration.
8 Mohammed Chris Alli 1987 — 1988 Military administrator/governor of Plateau State.
9 Joshua Dogonyaro 1988 — 1989 Military Governor of Plateau State.
10 Lawrence Onoja 1989 — 1990 Returned as Military Governor during the later years of military rule.
11 Donald D. Duniya 1990 — 1991 Military Governor of Plateau State.
12 Joshua Chibi Dariye PDP 1999 — 2007 Civilian Governor. Served two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2007.
13 Mohammed J. Bakri 2004 — 2004 Acting administration period associated with the state political crisis.
14 Chris Alli 2004 — 2004 Military Administrator appointed during the period of emergency rule in Plateau State.
15 Michael Botmang 2004 — 2004 Acting Governor during the state political crisis.
16 Jonah Jang PDP 2007 — 2015 Civilian Governor who served two terms from 2007 to 2015.
17 Simon Lalong APC 2015 — 2023 Civilian Governor who served two terms. Later served as Minister of Labour and Employment.
18 Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang PDP 2023 — Present Incumbent Governor of Plateau State. Sworn into office on 29 May 2023.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Plateau State

  • University of Jos Federal — Est. 1975 — Jos North LGA
  • Plateau State University State — Est. 2005 — Bokkos LGA
  • Plateau State Polytechnic State — Barkin Ladi LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Plateau State

Jos Wildlife Park

Jos South LGA

Jos Wildlife Park is one of Plateau State's best-known recreational and conservation attractions. Located near Jos, the park contains woodland, open spaces and facilities associated with wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

National Museum Jos

Jos North LGA

The National Museum Jos is one of Nigeria's important museums and holds collections associated with archaeology, ethnography, traditional arts and Nigerian cultural heritage. The museum is particularly important to Plateau's rich archaeological and cultural history.

Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture

Jos North LGA

The Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture in Jos showcases traditional architectural styles and structures from different parts of Nigeria. It provides an important window into the country's architectural heritage.

Shere Hills

Jos East LGA

Shere Hills are among the highest and most dramatic highland features in Nigeria. The hills rise to approximately 1,800 metres above sea level and provide scenic views around the Jos Plateau.

Riyom Rock

Riyom LGA

Riyom Rock is a striking granite rock formation and one of Plateau State's most recognisable natural landmarks. Its unusual shapes and surrounding highland landscape make it a popular photography and tourism site.

Wase Rock

Wase LGA

Wase Rock is a dramatic isolated rock formation rising above the surrounding landscape. It is one of the most famous geological landmarks in Plateau State and is an important symbol of the Wase area.

Kerang Highlands

Mangu LGA

The Kerang Highlands form part of Plateau's scenic highland landscape. The area is associated with cool temperatures, hills, springs, agricultural activity and attractive natural scenery.

Assop Falls

Barkin Ladi LGA

Assop Falls is a scenic waterfall and one of the most recognisable natural attractions associated with Plateau State. The surrounding rocky landscape and vegetation provide a dramatic setting.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Plateau State

  • Dipo Adeusi — Notable Nigerian medical professional associated with the University of Jos and medical education.
  • Ibrahim Jibril — Nigerian academic and education professional associated with the University of Jos.

Politics & Government

  • Solomon Daushep Lar (1933–2013) — First elected Governor of Plateau State and prominent Nigerian politician who later served as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
  • Joshua Chibi Dariye (1957) — Former Governor of Plateau State and former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Jonah David Jang (1944) — Former Governor of Plateau State from 2007 to 2015 and former military officer.
  • Simon Bako Lalong (1963) — Former Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Labour and Employment.
  • Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang (1965) — Governor of Plateau State since May 2023.
  • Darius Ishaku (1954) — Architect, politician and former Governor of Taraba State with roots in the wider Plateau region.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Plateau State

Plateau State has 17 Local Government Areas:

  1. Barkin Ladi — HQ: Barkin Ladi (1,032 km²) Barkin Ladi is a major agricultural and highland LGA in central Plateau and is known for vegetable production, hills and mining heritage.
  2. Bassa — HQ: Bassa (1,743 km²) Bassa is a large LGA north of Jos with extensive rural communities and agricultural land.
  3. Bokkos — HQ: Bokkos (1,682 km²) Bokkos is a major agricultural LGA on the western side of the Jos Plateau and is known for its highland farming environment.
  4. Jos East — HQ: Angware (1,020 km²) Jos East forms part of the wider Jos metropolitan and highland region and has Angware as its headquarters.
  5. Jos North — HQ: Jos (291 km²) Jos North contains the core of Jos city and is the most densely populated LGA in Plateau State.
  6. Jos South — HQ: Bukuru (510 km²) Jos South contains Bukuru and extensive suburbs of the Jos metropolitan area.
  7. Kanam — HQ: Dengi (2,600 km²) Kanam is one of the larger LGAs in Plateau State by land area and contains extensive rural and agricultural communities.
  8. Kanke — HQ: Kwal (926 km²) Kanke is an agricultural LGA with several Ngas and other indigenous communities.
  9. Langtang North — HQ: Langtang (1,188 km²) Langtang North is an important southern Plateau LGA and a major centre of Tarok culture.
  10. Langtang South — HQ: Mabudi (838 km²) Langtang South is a predominantly rural agricultural LGA in southern Plateau.
  11. Mangu — HQ: Mangu (1,653 km²) Mangu is one of the most populous agricultural LGAs in Plateau State and is strongly associated with Mwaghavul culture.
  12. Mikang — HQ: Tunkus (739 km²) Mikang is a southern Plateau LGA with diverse indigenous communities and extensive agricultural land.
  13. Pankshin — HQ: Pankshin (1,524 km²) Pankshin is an important administrative, agricultural and educational centre in Plateau Central.
  14. Qua'an Pan — HQ: Ba'ap (2,478 km²) Qua'an Pan is one of the larger southern Plateau LGAs and contains several distinct indigenous communities.
  15. Riyom — HQ: Riyom (807 km²) Riyom is a gateway to Plateau State from the Abuja and Nasarawa direction and is known for its striking rock formations.
  16. Shendam — HQ: Shendam (2,477 km²) Shendam is one of the major administrative and commercial centres of southern Plateau.
  17. Wase — HQ: Wase (5,031 km²) Wase is the largest Plateau LGA by commonly published land-area figures and is famous for Wase Rock and its historic traditional institution.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Plateau State Facts

  • Plateau State was created on 3 February 1976 from the former Benue-Plateau State.
  • Jos is the capital of Plateau State and the principal urban and commercial centre.
  • Plateau State is located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone.
  • Plateau State has 17 Local Government Areas.
  • Plateau State has a 2026 population projection of approximately 4,200,442 according to the NBS population forecast series.
  • Plateau State has a land area of approximately 30,913 square kilometres in commonly used national geographic datasets.
  • Plateau State is popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
  • The Jos Plateau is one of Nigeria's most important highland regions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plateau State

What is Plateau State known for?

Plateau State is known for its highlands, cool climate, Jos city, tin-mining history, agricultural production, tourism attractions, diverse ethnic groups and landmarks such as Wase Rock, Riyom Rock, Shere Hills and Assop Falls.

What is the capital of Plateau State?

Jos is the capital of Plateau State. It is the state's administrative, commercial, educational and cultural centre.

When was Plateau State created?

Plateau State was created on 3 February 1976 by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed. It was created from the former Benue-Plateau State.

Who is the current Governor of Plateau State?

The current Governor of Plateau State is Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assumed office on 29 May 2023.

How many Local Government Areas are in Plateau State?

Plateau State has 17 Local Government Areas: Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshin, Qua'an Pan, Riyom, Shendam and Wase.

What is the population of Plateau State in 2026?

The National Bureau of Statistics population forecast series gives Plateau State a projected population of approximately 4,200,442 in 2026. This is a state-level projection and not a new population census.

What is the land area of Plateau State?

Plateau State has a commonly cited land area of approximately 30,913 square kilometres.

Why is Plateau State called the Home of Peace and Tourism?

Plateau State is popularly called the Home of Peace and Tourism because of its scenic highlands, cool climate, cultural diversity and numerous natural and historical attractions.