Capital of Plateau State — Jos

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 flourished between approximately 1500 BC and 500 AD. Named after the village of Nok near Kafanchan where the

First governor: General David Bamigboye

Read full Plateau State history →

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.

As capital, Jos concentrates civil service employment and administrative services that support the wider Plateau economy.

Jos is the political and administrative centre of Plateau State in Nigeria’s North Central zone. Government House, the State House of Assembly and core ministries are based here.

Plateau State, known as “Home of Peace and Tourism”, relies on Jos as its primary seat of government.

For census totals, growth rates and LGA breakdowns, use the dedicated Plateau population page — this capital page focuses on the seat of government, not state-wide demographics.