By Kazeem Waris
The Plateau State Government has reopened the historic Hill Station Hotel, Jos, as part of efforts to revive tourism, attract fresh investment and reposition the state as a major hospitality destination.
The hotel, originally built in 1938 during the colonial era, was soft-opened on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Communication and Overseer of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, described the reopening as a major milestone in the administration’s drive to restore critical state assets and stimulate economic activity.
Ramnap said the October 1 event was a soft opening to test the hotel’s operations and service delivery, adding that the official commissioning and grand opening would be conducted by Governor Mutfwang in the coming weeks.
She said: “This is more than the reopening of a hotel; it is the reopening of Plateau to the world.
“For a state that has been a flashpoint, we are deliberately rewriting our narrative from conflict to commerce, from history to hospitality.”
The commissioner said the return of the iconic hotel was also intended to send a message to investors about the state’s readiness to do business.
“The return of the Hill Station Hotel tells investors that Plateau is peaceful, our government honours agreements, and your investment is safe here,” she stated.
Ramnap disclosed that the restoration of the facility was achieved through a Public-Private Partnership, PPP, between the Plateau State Government and Hillside Hospitality.
She said the initiative formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to revive the state economy through tourism development, investment promotion, job creation and public-private partnerships.
According to her, the revitalised hotel would further strengthen Plateau’s position as a destination for hospitality, leisure and business investment.
She urged investors in Nigeria and the diaspora to take advantage of the state’s climate, cultural heritage and investment policies.
“Plateau State is open for business, and we are creating the environment for investors to come, invest and grow,” Ramnap said.
“We will continue to restore critical assets, promote our tourism potentials and create opportunities that will benefit our people and the wider economy.”
Built in 1938, Hill Station Hotel is one of Jos’ historic hospitality landmarks and was known to have hosted prominent visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, as well as other dignitaries and explorers.
The commissioner said the ministry would continue to promote positive narratives about Plateau State in a bid to attract tourists, investors and goodwill.
She said: “We want the world to rediscover Plateau, not only for its history, but also for its hospitality, culture, tourism and investment opportunities.”
The hotel was revitalised under the PPP arrangement with Hillside Hospitality.
The reopening is expected to boost hospitality and tourism activities in Jos while providing a platform for increased private-sector participation in the state’s tourism and investment drive.
