As part of efforts to restore Plateau State’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost tourism destination, the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration is investing in the rehabilitation of the Jos Wildlife Park and the promotion of cultural festivals. USHUKON DANIEL and PESHEL NAANKANG report that the initiatives are boosting tourism, creating economic opportunities and rekindling hope among residents and stakeholders in the hospitality industry
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has continued to improve tourism through the rehabilitation of the Jos Wildlife Park and the promotion of cultural festivals across the state. These efforts are helping to attract visitors, create jobs and improve the hospitality sector.
For many years, the Jos Wildlife Park was one of the major tourist attractions in Nigeria. However, poor maintenance reduced the number of visitors to the park.
That is why the present administration has undertaken massive renovation of the park’s infrastructure, including administrative offices, museums and the park’s perimeter fence.
The government has also focused on restoring facilities, improving routes within the park, renovating buildings, upgrading security, improving staff welfare and creating a cleaner environment for tourists and families.
Also under the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, efforts are being intensified to restore the park and reposition it as one of the leading eco-tourism centres in the country.
Restoring a tourism landmark
In an interview with THE NIGERIA STANDARD, the Park Manager, Mr Sunday Andrew Bulus, described the ongoing transformation as a major step towards rebuilding tourism in Plateau State.
“The Jos Wildlife Park is a tourist destination and a tourist delight to many people, not only on the Plateau but across the country,” he explained.
According to him, the government intervention goes beyond ordinary renovation, touching critical areas such as security, infrastructure, animal welfare and long-term tourism development.
“The rehabilitation has been done in different categories,” Mr Bulus added.
“There is proper fencing of the park for protection, the administrative building has been renovated by the present government, and even the stores have been properly equipped.”
Security, which remains a major concern for tourism activities across the country, is also receiving serious attention at the park.
Mr Bulus revealed that plans are underway to introduce modern surveillance systems and improve visitors’ experience within the facility.
“Safari routes are in the pipeline, and CCTV cameras for security and protection are also being considered in collaboration with the World Bank,” he said.
For visitors who remember the excitement of seeing exotic wildlife in Jos decades ago, there may soon be more reasons to return.
“There is a deliberate plan by the government to stock the park with new species of animals.”
According to Mr Bulus, officials have visited some African countries to understudy how wildlife parks operate and how new animals can safely be brought into Jos.
“Efforts are ongoing to see how new animals will be brought to the park,” he said.
“There have been visits to other African countries to study possible ways of achieving this.”
Beyond attracting tourists, attention is also being given to the wellbeing of the animals currently in the park.
Mr Bulus noted that feeding support for the animals has improved significantly under the present administration, while regular medical check-ups are also being carried out.
“The government has increased feeding support for the animals, and their health conditions are also being closely monitored.
“Once in a while, all the animals are checked by the Veterinary School of the University of Jos,” he stated.
Challenges, future aspirations
Despite these improvements, the park still faces challenges. According to the park manager, visitor turnout dropped recently due to insecurity concerns affecting parts of the country.
However, he expressed optimism that the numbers would rise again as confidence improves. “We had quite a large number of visitors last year, but it dropped recently because of insecurity. We are working on how to attract more tourists again,” he said.
He added that Governor Mutfwang’s vision for the park is ambitious and far-reaching. According to him, the governor is determined to transform the park into a modern tourism destination capable of competing with the best wildlife centres in Nigeria.
“The governor has so much interest in the future development of the Jos Wildlife Park,” Bulus said.
He further affirmed: “The plan is to make it a beautiful and wonderful tourist centre and one of the best in the country.
“If the plan he has is able to come to light, I assure you the Wildlife Park will be a living heaven and one of the best among the league of conservation centres in Nigeria.”
Community involvement is becoming a key part of the rebuilding process.
Mr Bulus explained that the management has continued to engage surrounding communities through stakeholders’ meetings aimed at improving security and ensuring local participation in protecting the facility.
“We have been having stakeholders’ engagements with community leaders. We had one last year and another in February this year. If the community sees the park as their own, it becomes better for everybody,” he said.
“They stand a better chance to benefit in terms of employment and businesses.
“Most of the challenges we face come from the community, and we are trying to see how we can better understand one another.”
Economic benefits, public reactions
Restoring confidence in tourist destinations is important not only for recreation but also for economic growth.
In Plateau State, tourism has long been viewed as one of the sectors capable of creating employment opportunities and attracting investment.
“I think it is a welcome development because if the Wildlife Park becomes active again, more visitors will come and businesses around the area will benefit.
“Hotels, restaurants and transport operators can also gain from it,” Mr James Musa said.
The rehabilitation of the Wildlife Park has increased tourist activities in Jos and surrounding communities.
Visitors now come to enjoy the natural environment, see wildlife and relax. Business owners around the park have also benefited from increased patronage.
Since assuming office, one of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s most significant actions has been the substantial increase in funding for animal feeding and park maintenance.
To support forestation efforts, five solar-powered boreholes have been constructed to provide a sustainable water source.
“The rehabilitation has brought back attention to tourism in Plateau State. We appreciate the effort but expect the government to do more,” said Sunday Dalyop.
In addition to improving the Wildlife Park, the government has continued to support cultural festivals that showcase the rich traditions of the people of Plateau State.
Festivals featuring music, dance, traditional foods and local fashion have attracted tourists from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
Augustina Daniel said, “To be honest, I am happy about the rehabilitation because the park was almost forgotten before.
“Seeing the government fixing the fences, roads and facilities gives the people hope that tourism can return to Jos again.”
These cultural events promote unity among the different ethnic groups in the state while also creating opportunities for local artists, traders and entertainers.
Hotels, restaurants and transport operators also benefit during festival periods as more visitors come into the state.
“Nzem Berom and Christmas Carol always light up the state. These festivals create opportunities and showcase the rich traditions of Plateau people. It is unfortunate that insecurity is affecting what brings joy to us,” said Shim David.
Calls for more development
The hospitality sector in Plateau State has witnessed gradual growth as a result of these tourism activities.
Hotels and relaxation centres in Jos are recording improved business, while investors are beginning to show interest in the tourism industry.
“I want to appreciate the government for the road construction in the Jos Amusement Park. The new road has made movement easier for both traders and visitors.We are also happy about the Jos Trade Fair.
“For the first time, the Jos Trade Fair was held last year at the Amusement Park. It is one of its kind and it has helped many business people showcase their products and attract customers,” Mr Job Shipi said.
He appealed to the government to renovate more sections of the park, particularly by replacing damaged roofs.
“The park needs more repairs and development so that it can continue to serve the people better,” he said.
Mr Shipi also raised concerns over vandalism.
“Some bad boys usually vandalise the fence and remove valuable items from the park. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to help protect the park,” he said.
Mrs Laraba Job, a staff member at the Jos Amusement Park, called to the government to regularise the employment status of casual workers and improve their salaries.
“I have been working here for the past 20 years as a casual staff member,” she said.
She also appealed for steady electricity supply within the park.
“We are pleading with the government to provide steady electricity because lack of power affects business activities and security, especially at night.”
Residents have praised the government’s commitment to restoring Plateau State’s reputation as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.
The gradual rebirth of the Jos Wildlife Park may become one of the strongest symbols of that vision — a place where tourism, business and community development can thrive together once again.
