The Plateau State Tourism Corporation has commenced moves to strengthen collaboration with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) as part of efforts to update the database of hospitality and tourism establishments across the state.
The General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Hon. Chuwang Nyam Pwajok, led a delegation of the corporation to the JMDB on Thursday, August 20, 2026, to formally notify the board of the planned exercise and seek its support.
Pwajok said the exercise would involve identifying and documenting hospitality and tourism establishments across Plateau State, including their locations and relevant operational details.
He explained that the corporation would leverage records available at the JMDB, particularly documentation submitted by businesses seeking approval for developments, to build a more comprehensive database.
According to him, the initiative is part of preparatory activities for the implementation of the Plateau State Tourism Master Plan, which is being developed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He said although the Tourism Master Plan is currently at its concluding stage, the corporation had decided to begin implementing some “quick-win” activities rather than wait for the document to be fully concluded.
Pwajok described the development of a robust database of tourism and hospitality establishments as a critical component of the preparatory work.
He added that the exercise would cover the entire state and was expected to strengthen regulation, planning and revenue generation within the tourism sector.
The General Manager also stressed the need for closer collaboration between the Tourism Corporation and JMDB, saying the partnership would enable both agencies to better coordinate their respective mandates.
Pwajok said one of the corporation’s key responsibilities was the identification, development, promotion, regulation and supervision of tourism resources and hospitality establishments in the state.
He said accurate and up-to-date information on the location, size and services provided by hospitality establishments was necessary for effective regulation.
He explained that collaboration with JMDB would also help ensure that establishments, including those still under development, are aware of the requirement to register with the Tourism Corporation and obtain the necessary operational licences.
According to him, the collaboration would provide a more effective way of identifying establishments rather than relying solely on field officers to locate businesses operating within the sector.
The General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Arc. Hart Bankat, welcomed the initiative and pledged the board’s support.
Bankat said collaboration rather than competition was essential among government agencies, echoing Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s emphasis on institutional cooperation.
He described the Tourism Corporation’s renewed focus on the rating and grading of hospitality establishments as a welcome development.
Bankat, however, challenged the tourism sector to adopt internationally recognised standards, arguing that accurate ratings would help build trust among visitors and investors.
He noted that the absence of hotels meeting higher international standards in Jos was a challenge that stakeholders needed to address if Plateau State was serious about fully exploiting its tourism potential.
He also raised concerns over the growing number of properties being converted into short-let or Airbnb accommodation without adequate documentation, signage or regulatory oversight.
According to him, the database being developed by the Tourism Corporation could help identify such establishments and improve coordination between the agencies.
The JMDB General Manager also stressed the need for the proposed Tourism Master Plan to align with the broader state and city master plans.
He cautioned against developing an isolated tourism master plan that does not take into account existing plans for urban development, infrastructure, water, health, recreation and other sectors.
Bankat called for stronger stakeholder engagement and a practical master plan that could guide investors and determine where major tourism-related developments, including five-star hotels, malls and recreational facilities, should be located.
He argued that policy documents should not merely be produced and abandoned but must be implemented to drive sustainable development.
Bankat also identified the Jos Wildlife Park, amusement park and the Mado Tourist Village as attractions that could potentially be integrated into a larger tourism circuit.
He suggested that improved road networks, cable transportation and strategic investment in accommodation and recreational facilities could connect the attractions and create a more compelling tourism experience for visitors.
He said Plateau State could attract investors if it deliberately developed and marketed its tourism opportunities while creating the infrastructure and policy environment required for investment.
Bankat further advocated increased government investment in tourism, arguing that a stronger tourism sector could stimulate growth in other areas of the economy, including security, hospitality, transportation, commerce and infrastructure.
The engagement ended with both agencies expressing their commitment to deeper collaboration toward strengthening tourism planning, regulation, investment and development across Plateau State.
