Filmmakers in Plateau State on Friday, January 16, 2026, gathered for a high-level strategic roundtable aimed at repositioning the state as a leading centre for filmmaking in Nigeria. The dialogue, hosted by the Plateau State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, was held at Valada Hotel in Jos and attracted prominent filmmakers, producers, actors, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the creative sector.
Discussions centred on the challenges facing the local film industry and practical steps to revive Plateau State’s once-prominent place in Nigerian cinema. Participants reflected on the state’s rich cinematic heritage, noting that Nigeria’s earliest widely recognised feature film, Palaver (1926), was shot among the Sura and Angas communities of the Bauchi Plateau, covering parts of present-day Plateau and Bauchi States. This, they said, firmly established the region as a foundational space in the nation’s film history.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Dongnaan Doeyok, described the roundtable as a turning point in efforts to reclaim Plateau’s cinematic identity. He said the gathering was not just about dialogue, but about restoring a legacy and redefining the state as a serious destination for film production.
According to him, the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang considers tourism and culture as vital engines of sustainable economic growth. He stressed that the film industry offers broad opportunities for job creation, investment attraction, and tourism development.
Doeyok outlined plans by the state government to support filmmakers through improved infrastructure, including the development of world-class studios and the renovation of facilities at the National Film Institute. He also spoke on building local technical capacity, introducing film-friendly policies to ease permit processes, and ensuring adequate security for production teams.
He further announced initiatives such as the creation of a “Plateau Film Map” to highlight unique filming locations across the state, as well as plans to explore incentives and public-private partnerships that encourage productions to engage local talent.
Veteran filmmaker Sani Muazu expressed concern over the decline of Plateau State’s influence in the film industry despite its historical importance. He noted that many creatives trained in Jos have relocated to other states due to limited opportunities at home.
Describing film as a powerful economic driver, Muazu called for a reassessment of what led to the decline of Jos as a filmmaking centre and how it can be made attractive again. He proposed the establishment of cottage cinemas across local government areas to create a steady market for locally produced films and strengthen audience engagement with indigenous stories.
Security challenges also featured prominently during the discussions, with participants noting that negative perceptions about safety in Plateau State have discouraged filmmakers from filming in the state. Stakeholders called for stronger security measures and intentional rebranding efforts to change these perceptions.
Daniel Asama, a member of the House of Representatives representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, urged filmmakers to prioritise strong local storytelling that reflects Plateau’s culture and hospitality. He noted that high-quality content aligned with contemporary trends would naturally draw government support and private sector investment.
Filmmaker and producer Yill Fomwul Gonsum described the roundtable as a deliberate move to close the long-standing gap between filmmakers and the government. She said the engagement brought together both veteran and emerging creatives, fostering unity and strengthening collaboration with the state.
She identified challenges such as limited access to filming locations, funding difficulties, and bureaucratic delays, and called for stronger partnerships and modest government intervention to make film production easier and more efficient.
At the close of the meeting, participants agreed that while Nigeria’s film industry continues to grow nationally, Plateau State must confront its specific challenges to reclaim its place in the sector. They expressed optimism that sustained engagement and government collaboration would revive Jos as a major film destination for Northern Nigeria and beyond.
The roundtable ended with a shared resolve among stakeholders to work together to rebuild Plateau State’s creative economy and restore its historic role in Nigeria
n filmmaking.
