Plateau State

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Plateau State is situated between latitude 8°24' N and 10°30' N and longitude 8°32' E and 10°38' E, encompassing the Jos Plateau with its hills, rock formations, and bare rocks scattered across grasslands. Its altitude ranges from about 1,200 metres to a peak of 1,829 metres in the Shere Hills. The state borders Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. Despite being in the tropical zone, the higher altitude gives it a near-temperate climate, with average temperatures between 13 and 22 °C. Harmattan winds cause the coldest weather from December to February, while the warmest months are March and April. Mean annual rainfall varies from 1,317 mm in the south to 1,460 mm on the plateau, with the wet season peaking in July and August. The Jos Plateau is the source of many rivers in northern Nigeria, including the Kaduna, Gongola, Hadeja, and Damaturu rivers. The geology of Plateau State is formed on younger granite intruding through older granite, with the younger granites about 160 million years old. Volcanic activity 50 million years ago created volcanoes, basaltic plateaus, and valleys. Tin and columbite mining have left deep gorges and lakes. The state's natural resources include barite, bauxite, bentonite, bismuth, cassiterite, clay, coal, emeralds, fluoride, granite, iron ore, kaolin, lead/zinc, marble, molybdenite, pyrochlore, salt, tantalite/columbite, and tin/wolfram. Tourism attractions include the Wildlife Safari Park, National Museum in Jos (founded 1952), Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture, Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos Zoo (established 1957), Assop Falls, Kurra Falls, Wase Rock, Kerang highlands, Shere Hills, Riyom Rock, Pandam Game Reserve, and Kahwang Rock Formation.

Reader's Guide

Plateau State's significance lies in its unique geography, mineral wealth, and history as a center of tin mining and tourism in Nigeria. The state's elevated plateau provides a cooler climate that reduces the incidence of tropical diseases like malaria, and its rivers are vital sources for northern Nigeria. The Jos Plateau's younger granite formations and volcanic past create distinctive landscapes that attract tourists, though the tourism sector is not thriving due to perennial security issues and state government failure. Historically, the state was shaped by colonial manipulation to protect railway construction and tin mining, which began in 1902 under the British. Its borders have changed multiple times, including the creation of Plateau Province from Bauchi in 1926, the merger into Benue-Plateau State in 1967, and the carving out of Nasarawa State in 1996. In the 21st century, Plateau State has experienced significant violence, including riots, bombings, and clashes between ethnic and religious groups, with attacks attributed to various actors including Boko Haram, Fulani herders, Christian militias, and other armed groups. The conflict is complex, with factors such as climate change, competition over land, and political instability playing roles. The state government is led by a governor, with the current governor being Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, sworn in on 29 May 2023 under the PDP party. The House of Assembly consists of 25 members, with the current Speaker being Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, elected on 2 July 2025 by the members of the 10th assembly after former speaker Gabriel Dewan resigned.

Did You Know?

• The Jos Plateau is the source of many rivers in northern Nigeria, including the Kaduna, Gongola, Hadeja, and Damaturu rivers.
• Wase Rock is one of only five breeding sites of the white pelican in Africa, with about 130 hectares protected as a bird sanctuary.
• Tin mining activities began in 1902 under the British and continue to the present day.
• The National Museum in Jos was founded in 1952 and is known for its Nok terracotta heads and artefacts dating from 500 BC to 200 AD.
• The state's altitude peaks at 1,829 metres above sea level in the Shere Hills near Jos.