For way too long, the story of Plateau State, has been told from a narrow, mostly fearful perspective by outside media. You might have probably seen or read news about Plateau State being a danger zone. However, we’ll tell you the real story—the story that the locals, tourists, and investors who fall in love with our beautiful state are living daily.
Plateau State, with the slogan “Home of Peace and Tourism,” is not a war zone. But a land abundant in natural beauty, a land with unique climate, hospitable people, and a quality of life that is, honestly, unmatched anywhere in Nigeria.
Are you looking for a place to visit, invest, or even relocate to in Nigeria, you should look no further. In this article, we will discuss why Plateau State is undoubtedly the best choice. It offers you a cool climate, growing peace, and a beautiful but affordable lifestyle.
1. The Coolest Climate in Nigeria: A Breath of Fresh Air
Imagine waking up to a cold morning, needing a light sweater or a head warmer in the middle of a dry season in Nigeria, or enjoying chill afternoons all year round with the sun very much bearable. That’s the Plateau experience.
The state sits beautifully on the high plains of the Jos Plateau, which is around 1,200 meters (about 4,000 feet) above sea level. This high altitude is the major ingredient that gives Plateau an almost European-like climate which is unique in a hot country.
Cool Temperatures: When the other parts of Nigeria sweat, the average annual temperatures in Plateau State comfortably ranges between 18∘C and 22∘C. Even during the hottest months (February – April), the nights are always cool and highly refreshing. Plateau State offers you a perfect break away from heat.
The Health Advantage: The cold weather naturally reduces the number of tropical insects. This basically means fewer mosquitoes and, thankfully, translates to lower cases of malaria compared to that of the other Nigerian states. Plateau State is simply a healthier place to live.
Beautiful Scenery: The rainfall here is generous, and this gives us a beautiful landscape that stays green and lush for most parts of the year. Our environment is perfect for both agriculture and tourism.
This amazing weather is a huge blessing for the residents and visitors, every day feels like a vacation and it makes our outdoor activities fun at all times.
2. Unlocking Peace: Progress, Unity, and Security
It’s true that concerns about the state’s security have over the years been part of the narratives pushed by the media. However, it’s important we let you know what’s really going on in the state. Plateau State is on a continuous and successful journey towards finding lasting peace.
The state government had been working closely with the local communities and the security agencies, and has put in place very strong foundations that will ensure peace doesn’t just return, but remains. These foundations include the following:
i. The Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA):
This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. The PPBA is a very dedicated government agency created primarily to manage and to coordinate all peace and conflict resolution efforts. The PPBA uses open dialogues, community mediation, and peace education to help heal old wounds and also to help build bridges between the different ethnic and religious groups in the State.
ii. Community-Led Efforts:
The good people of Plateau State, who are diverse but very hardworking, are so deeply committed to living together in peace and harmony. Great initiatives like the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative have actively involved the local leaders and women in the peace building process, these greatly ensure a bottom-up approach to security.
iii. Peace as a Policy:
The state is mainly focused on “Peace, Security, and Good Governance”. This has been the backbone of its developmental plans. This clearly means security is an ongoing, and a well-funded effort, to create a very stable environment for everyone in the state.
The growing peace in Plateau State is attracting new investors and tourists who have now discovered the state’s true potential. This is prove that the old, negative narrative about Plateau State is rapidly changing.
3. The Affordable and Enjoyable Plateau Lifestyle
One of the best qualities of life in Plateau is the affordable and highly enjoyable lifestyle. The beauty of a place isn’t just the weather; it’s also about what you can afford and how much you enjoy your daily life. Plateau State delivers on both cases. Below are some of the affordable and enjoyable lifestyles Plateau State offers:
i. Cost of Living:
Compared to the major cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, the cost of living in Jos and the other parts of Plateau State is very much lower. Housing, in particular, is very affordable. You can find well-finished and comfortable apartments for rent in Jos at just a fraction of the price of similar apartments in the “big three” cities I mentioned.
ii. Fresh and Cheap Food:
Agriculture is one of the powerhouses here! Plateau State is the number one producer of Irish Potatoes in Nigeria. The State also massively grows fresh, high-quality veggies and fruits, including tomatoes, apples, carrots, and even exotic crops like strawberries and roses. This abundance of food in the State means healthy diets are available, affordable, and accessable for every family.
iii. Communal Living:
Many people who grew up in Plateau State testify about the wonderful communal lifestyle in the State–where neighbors genuinely care for one another. This strong sense of community offers immense value that is priceless.
In Plateau State, with less money, your quality of life can be high.
4. Tourism and Natural Wonder: The Home of Adventure
The name “Home of Peace and Tourism” is truly not exaggerated. Plateau State is a treasury of numerous natural and historical wonders that are waiting to be explored. We house some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa. These includes:
i. The Majestic Shere Hills:
These hills are perfect for hikers and mountain climbers. The hills offer some breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Jos city and even beyond.
ii. Waterfalls and Rock Formations:
Imagine spending your weekends at the serene Kurra Falls, or the popular Assop Water Falls. Refreshing , isn’t it? Now imagine touring the unique natural architecture of the Riyom Rock and the mysterious Wase Rock. These sites are so perfect for picnics, photography, and relaxing after the draining hustle of city life.
iii. History and Culture:
History lovers can peep into the past at the famous Jos Museum, one of Nigeria’s oldest. The Museum houses incredible Nok terracotta artifacts that date back to centuries. The Museum, rich in Traditional Nigerian Architecture allows you to explore some full-scale replicas of traditional buildings from different parts of the country.
iv. Wildlife and Relaxation:
The Jos Wildlife Park and the Pandam Game Reserve offers tourists the opportunity to see several animals and an opportunity to experience nature so closely. For relaxation, the Rayfield Resort offers a calm environment with boat rides and many other leisure activities.
There’s huge potential for eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Plateau State. This makes it a dream destination for both local and international visitors.
5. An Investor’s Dream: Agriculture and Solid Minerals
For investors that are seeking the next frontier, Plateau State offers some unique economic advantages that are driven by its beautiful climate and natural resources. Some of the economic advantages include:
i. The Agricultural Hub:
Plateau State’s cool, fertile lands support several crops that cannot be grown easily in the other parts of Nigeria. These include: exotic flowers (roses), temperate vegetables, and high-value crops like strawberries and apples. This truly provides a very huge opportunity for large-scale farming and agro-processing industries. Plateau State is also the major producer of Acha (Fonio grain) in the country, a highly nutritious staple.
ii. Mineral Wealth:
Beneath the cool soil is a treasure trove of solid minerals. Plateau State is known for its very large deposits of Tin and Columbine, as well as many other minerals like Bauxite, Kaolin, and various gemstones. The Plateau State government is actively creating a very favorable environment for investors in the mining sector.
The Plateau Promise
Plateau State is more than a mere geographic location in Nigeria. It is a promise of a better life. It is a place where nature is kind and generous, a place where communities work so hard for lasting peace, and a place where a high quality life is truly within reach.
It’s high time we stop letting old, fear-based headlines define a place as beautiful and promising as the Plateau. Come and experience the cool climate, the rich culture, the hospitable people, and the abundant opportunities for yourself.
It’s safe to say Plateau State is not just a place in Nigeria; it’s the best place to live in Nigeria.