From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
82 years after its establishment and years of abandonment, the historic Hill Station Hotel in Jos is receiving a new lease of life under the administration of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The iconic hotel, which was established in 1938 and once regarded as a goldmine due to its strategic location in Jos, had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect. However, Governor Mutfwang, fulfilling his campaign promise, has commenced the comprehensive remodeling of both the Hill Station Hotel and the Plateau Hotel.
The effort, according to the governor, is part of a broader plan to reposition Plateau as a premier destination for tourism, leisure, and investment.
During an inspection tour of both facilities in Jos on Wednesday, Mutfwang described the hotels as “monumental legacy assets” deeply intertwined with the cultural and economic heritage of the state.
“A lot of the history of Plateau State is tied to assets like these,” he said. “We cannot continue to let them decay. I am impressed with the pace and quality of the work, and I am optimistic about their full revival.”
The governor emphasized that his administration is forging strategic partnerships with private investors to fund the redevelopment projects, aiming to reduce dependence on public finances and promote long-term sustainability.
At the Plateau Hotel site, Aviare Global Concept Ltd., the investment partner led by Chairman/CEO Mr. Kudla Satumari, unveiled components of the ongoing rehabilitation project. These include a dual-carriage access road, landscaped gardens with palm trees, a state-of-the-art control and security centre equipped with CCTV surveillance, and a redesigned perimeter fence to enhance aesthetics and safety.
The company disclosed that a significant portion of the work is scheduled for completion and commissioning by December 1, 2025.
At the Hill Station Hotel site, Hillside Hospitality Ltd., the developer handling the renovation, reported that Phase One of the project has reached 45 per cent completion. Ongoing works include the construction of new gatehouses and fences, a modern gym, a poolside bar, twin swimming pools, a laundry café, and other essential facilities.
Our correspondent observed steady progress on the annex building, conference halls, and site landscaping. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations are in progress, while CCTV infrastructure and power connectivity from NESCO are also being prioritized. The entire project currently stands at approximately 50 per cent completion.
Key figures spearheading the Hill Station Hotel project include Project Manager, Arc. Okechukwu Izeogu; Lead Supervisor, Arch. Racheal Dawurung; and Project Director, Oluwadamilola Awoyomi.
Governor Mutfwang commended the teams on-site for their professionalism and commitment, noting that their work aligns with his administration’s vision to restore Plateau’s reputation as Nigeria’s “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
“We are committed to reviving the hospitality sector to attract both local and international visitors,” he added. “These projects are just the beginning of what we envision for Plateau State.”