The Plateau State Government has commenced a comprehensive assessment of key tourist and heritage sites within the Greater Jos Master Plan as part of efforts to preserve the state’s rich natural attractions and develop a sustainable tourism sector.
The inspection tour, conducted on Tuesday, was led by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap (mni)Â who is also overseeing the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality. The delegation included officials from the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development, and other relevant agencies.
Among the sites visited were the Gog and Magog rock formations at Shere Hills, the Unity Rock—a naturally occurring rock formation resembling the map of Nigeria in Sheher, Rayfield—the iconic Riyom Rock Formation, widely regarded as a symbol of Plateau State, and the historic Mado Tourist Village, a 50-room facility built in 1978 to accommodate visitors to the Jos Wildlife Park and Museum.
During the inspection, government officials expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of some of the sites, particularly the Gog and Magog rock formation, where quarrying activities where ongoing and have reportedly destroyed sections of the natural landscape once popular for hiking and picnics.
Speaking to journalists, Rt. Hon. Ramnap described Plateau State as richly endowed with natural tourism assets that require deliberate protection and development.
“Plateau is blessed with extraordinary natural gifts that can be transformed into major tourism destinations. The purpose of this tour is to identify our heritage sites and ensure they are fully integrated into the Greater Jos Master Plan so that development is comprehensive and sustainable,” she said.
According to the commissioner, the state government is working towards developing a tourism policy that will preserve the heritage sites while unlocking their economic potential.
“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 added.
Ramnap expressed disappointment over the apparent destruction of parts of the Gog and Magog rock formation, noting that government would investigate the activities of the quarry company operating at the site.
“It is sad to see such an important natural attraction being tampered with. From what we have seen, it appears the level of devastation goes beyond what could have been approved. Government will look into the matter and take appropriate steps to protect the site,” she said.
She also appealed to tourists, hikers and residents to continue exploring Plateau’s natural attractions, describing the state’s environment as both therapeutic and economically valuable.
“There is so much to offer on the Plateau. These natural sites provide recreation, healing and opportunities for economic growth through tourism,” she said.
Responding to concerns about poor road access and encroachment around some of the tourist locations, the commissioner said the ongoing assessment would guide the development of policies addressing infrastructure, conservation and community partnerships.
“The purpose of this exercise is to gather firsthand information. We are working with consultants, and the findings will help shape policies that include road development and other infrastructure needed to improve access to these sites,” she explained.
Also speaking, Architect Joseph Yakwan, Director of Building at the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, said the tourism inspection would support the preparation of the Greater Jos Master Plan.
“The Greater Jos Master Plan is being developed by our ministry, and part of our responsibility is to ensure that tourism assets are adequately captured so they can contribute to the city’s future development,” he said.
At the Riyom Rock Formation, community representative Hon. Terry Davou called on the state government to revitalise the site and restore its status as one of Plateau’s leading tourist attractions.
He recalled that the landmark attracted visitors from across Nigeria and abroad during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing significantly to tourism in the area.
“This rock has become one of the symbols of Plateau State. Although there are different stories about its origin, what is important today is preserving it and developing it into a world-class tourist destination. Our community will be delighted if government invests in its restoration and promotion,” he said.
The inspection forms part of the Plateau State Government’s broader strategy to integrate tourism development into the Greater Jos Master Plan while protecting the state’s natural heritage for future generations.
 
  
