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Plateau

“Home of Peace and Tourism”

Capital Jos
Zone North Central
LGAs 17
Population 4,200,000
2026 Budget ₦914.9B
🏠 17 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Plateau

Plateau State is located in North-Central Nigeria and is known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes. The state capital, Jos, is one of the most peaceful and historically diverse cities in Nigeria, often called the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
Historical Background
Plateau State sits on one of the most archaeologically significant landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa. The Jos Plateau, a high tableland rising between 1,200 and 1,800 metres above sea level, was home to the Nok civilisation — one of the earliest known iron-smelting cultures in A… Read full history →

Explore Plateau State

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17 LGAs
Local Govts
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State Budget
2026: ₦914.9B
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State History
Created 1976
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Plateau

Official namePlateau
Capital city Jos
Slogan / MottoHome of Peace and Tourism
Geo-political zone North Central
Local govt areas 17 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,200,000
Population density 136 / km²
Total area 30,913 km²
First governor General David Bamigboye
2026 budget ₦914.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Plateau

The capital city of Plateau State is Jos. It is the seat of the Plateau State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Plateau State has 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Plateau State has a population of 4,200,000. The state capital Jos is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 136 persons per km².
Plateau State is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Plateau State was created in 1976. The first governor was General David Bamigboye. Learn more on the Plateau State History page.
The Plateau State budget for 2026 is ₦914.9B. See the full breakdown on the Plateau State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Plateau State covers a total land area of 30,913 km². With a population density of 136 people per km².

Economy of Plateau

The economy of Plateau State is driven by agriculture, mining, and tourism. The state is rich in mineral resources such as tin and columbite. Agriculture includes crops like potatoes, maize, vegetables, and fruits due to its favorable climate.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 4 million people. The state is highly diverse, with over 40 ethnic groups including Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, and others.
4,200,000
Population
30,913
Area km²
136
Per km²
17
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Plateau

Plateau State is famous for its breathtaking tourist attractions such as the Jos Plateau, Shere Hills, Assop Falls, Riyom Rock Formation, and wildlife parks. The state also hosts colorful cultural festivals reflecting its rich ethnic diversity.

Local Government Areas in Plateau

17 LGAs

Barkin Ladi
HQ: Barkin Ladi
162,000
Population

Known for tin mining and the Jos Plateau scenery. Site of past farmer-herder conflicts. Potato farming.

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Bassa
HQ: Bassa
148,000
Population

Diverse LGA with many ethnic groups. Known for the Taroh people and farming activities.

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Bokkos
HQ: Bokkos
165,000
Population

Highlands LGA known for Irish potato and vegetable farming. Temperate climate ideal for highland crops.

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Jos East
HQ: Vom
137,000
Population

Contains Vom, home to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI). Important research hub.

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Jos North
HQ: Jos
900,000
Population

Contains Jos city, the Plateau State capital. Known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

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Jos South
HQ: Bukuru
438,000
Population

Contains Bukuru, a major satellite of Jos. Known for tin mining history and commercial activities.

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Kanam
HQ: Dengi
163,000
Population

Known for the Kanam Man archaeological site and groundnut farming. Important cultural heritage LGA.

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Kanke
HQ: Kabwir
133,000
Population

Known for the Pyam and Mupun people. Agricultural LGA in eastern Plateau State.

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Langtang North
HQ: Shendam
145,000
Population

Known for the Tarok people and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in southern Plateau.

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Langtang South
HQ: Lantang
128,000
Population

Known for the Tarok people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in southern Plateau State.

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Mangu
HQ: Mangu
197,000
Population

Known for the Ngas (Angas) people and the Mangu market. Important commercial LGA north of Jos.

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Mikang
HQ: Yelwa
122,000
Population

Known for the Montol and Teel people. Agricultural LGA in southern Plateau State.

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Pankshin
HQ: Pankshin
186,000
Population

Known for the Ngas people and yam, sorghum farming. Important commercial centre in eastern Plateau.

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Quaan Pan
HQ: Shendam
165,000
Population

Known for the Mupun people and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in southern Plateau.

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Riyom
HQ: Riyom
113,000
Population

Known for granite quarrying and potato farming. Scenic highlands LGA near Jos.

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Shendam
HQ: Shendam
195,000
Population

Known for the Yom people and groundnut, sorghum farming. Major commercial centre in southern Plateau.

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Wase
HQ: Wase
196,000
Population

Predominantly Muslim LGA in eastern Plateau. Known for the Wase Rock and diverse Tarok, Yergam people.

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History of Plateau State

Plateau State sits on one of the most archaeologically significant landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa. The Jos Plateau, a high tableland rising between 1,200 and 1,800 metres above sea level, was home to the Nok civilisation — one of the earliest known iron-smelting cultures in Africa — which flourish…
Historical Kingdoms: Nok civilisation, Jukun kingdom, Kwararafa confederacy, Sura (Mupun) chieftaincies, Angas (Ngas) communities, Birom (Berom) settlements
🕐 Read Full History of Plateau →

2026 Appropriation

₦914.9B
Total Budget — Plateau State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Plateau State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Plateau State under Governor Caleb Mutfwang totals ₦914.9B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Plateau State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →