For decades, Plateau State was Nigeria’s hospitality jewel with its cool climate, striking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city of Jos, once a vibrant hub for business retreats, international conferences, and leisure tourism, commanded attention for its unique blend of sophistication and natural beauty. Yet, years of underinvestment in infrastructure saw its prominence wane, leaving a gap in a sector with immense untapped potential.
Now, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau is making a decisive move to reclaim its place as the heart of Nigerian hospitality. At the centre of this resurgence is the ambitious revitalization of Hill Station Resort, a historic landmark whose renaissance speaks to more than nostalgia. This bold economic intervention is designed to reposition Jos within Nigeria’s growing hospitality and tourism economy, creating new pathways for investment, jobs, and national prestige.
For industry stakeholders who understand the profound socio-economic potential of hospitality, this project is a defining moment. Nigeria’s hospitality industry is entering a new phase, propelled by rising domestic tourism, an expanding middle class, and the growing influence of Detty December’s economy, reshaping how infrastructure is viewed in the sector. December tourism is no longer just about Lagos and Abuja—it is about destination experiences. Jos, with its idyllic climate and cultural richness, is primed to capitalise on this demand.
But the Hill Station Resort project is not just about meeting rising demand, it is about setting a new standard for investment-driven development. Rather than relying on government funding alone, the Plateau State Government has taken the pragmatic route of public-private partnership, securing Hill Side Hospitality Limited as its development partner. The consortium, led by two enterprising men, Kolapo Joseph and Hakeem Condotti, brings both the financial acumen and operational expertise required to guarantee a sustainable, revenue-generating ecosystem that will benefit Plateau for decades.
Originally built in 1938, Hill Station Resort has a legacy of prestige, once hosting dignitaries, international figures, and cultural icons, including Queen Elizabeth II and actor Pierce Brosnan. However, history alone does not build the future. The new vision for Hill Station Resort seeks to retain its storied elegance while aligning with global best practices—ensuring it is a landmark and profitable, world-class hospitality asset.
Every aspect of the redevelopment is being approached with the future in mind. The project integrates modern hospitality trends with Plateau’s distinct natural and cultural appeal, positioning the Resort as an experience.
Hill Side and its development partner 3ADB, plan to build a state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex, featuring a football pitch, tennis and basketball courts, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, and a water park. Beyond these leisure attractions, the Hill Station will offer high-end conference and retreat facilities for business travellers. More significantly, it will capitalise on Nigeria’s booming destination wedding and event industry, becoming a sought-after venue for milestone celebrations, corporate retreats, and iconic gatherings.
The current national conversation on Detty December tourism has made one thing clear: Nigeria needs more premium hospitality infrastructure. Lagos and Abuja have long been the epicentre of high-profile events, but discerning travellers and event planners are actively seeking alternative destinations. As more diasporan Nigerians look beyond traditional hotspots, Jos presents with its scenic landscapes and cool climate. Now, upscale hospitality offers the ideal in-country option for nature-driven wellness and adventure tourism. From thrill-seekers exploring Shere Hills to cultural enthusiasts immersing themselves in
With an investment of N8.5 billion, Hill Station is a hospitality renaissance with economic muscle. The economic benefits of this initiative extend far beyond the resort itself, directly creating at least 160 jobs while indirectly stimulating growth in the construction, logistics, and service industries. For the wider Plateau economy, the revitalisation of Hill Station also signals a return to investor confidence in the region.
The structure of this project is as critical as its execution. The carefully negotiated concession agreement reflects a government that understands the importance of credibility and long-term sustainability in hospitality investments. The selection of Hill Side Hospitality Limited as the project’s development partner was not by chance. One of the key drivers behind the Hill Sideconsortium; Strom infrastructure investment and management limited has years of combined expertise in infrastructure development and utility management projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that this development will not fall into the traps of short-termism or mismanagement.
This approach should serve as a model for other states looking to revitalise their hospitality sectors. Rather than waiting for elusive federal allocations or donor interventions, states can leverage their unique assets by structuring partnerships that bring private capital, expertise, and efficiency into play. This is how sustainable economic transformation happens.
Beyond industry insiders, Nigerians across the board enthusiastically embrace this project. For many of us, Jos is a place of fond memories, a city synonymous with adventure, cool weather, and vibrant cultural experiences. For those who have visited, it is a cherished escape from the bustle of Nigeria’s bigger cities. For those who haven’t, it is a destination on their wish list. The idea of Hill Station Resort returning as a luxury resort is an exciting prospect, not just for Plateau’s economy but for Nigeria’s tourism brand.
I can already envision it: high-profile destination weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate retreats, iconic conferences, and eco-tourists making Hill Station Resort their home base as they explore the wonders of Plateau State. The multidimensional potential spanning business, leisure, culture, and adventure makes the project truly transformational.
As Plateau gears up for the groundbreaking in Q1 2025, the excitement is matched only by the scale of ambition. The grand reopening of Hill Station Resort in Q4 2025 will mark more than just the rebirth of a landmark, it will symbolize Plateau’s return to the forefront of Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration has demonstrated that bold vision, backed by the right partnerships and strategic execution, can rewrite a region’s economic narrative. This is about an economic renaissance, a statement of investor confidence, and a blueprint for what is possible when hospitality development is done right.
The message is clear: Jos is back, and this time, it’s here to stay.
Odewunmi is a Communications Strategist, Policy Analyst, and Stakeholder Management expert and the CEO of Creative Intelligence Group. He wrote from Lagos, via: [email protected]
