In a renewed push to drive good governance, professionalism, and inclusive development, the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has rolled out sweeping reforms across critical sectors of the civil service, commerce, and land administration. These efforts, officials say, are not just improving service delivery but redefining public engagement, economic empowerment, and gender equity across the state.
This was revealed during a series of ministerial press briefings held at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, with heads of key ministries presenting detailed accounts of achievements under the “Time is Now” agenda of the Mutfwang administration.
Civil Service: A New Era of Welfare, Training, and Housing
The Plateau State Civil Service is experiencing an unprecedented transformation aimed at creating a responsive, professional, and productive workforce. According to the Head of Civil Service, Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, the administration has prioritized staff welfare, training, and housing in a bid to revive the civil service’s effectiveness and morale.
Speaking at the briefing, Gadong announced that the government has successfully paid all outstanding salary arrears and is now consistently up to date with monthly salary payments. In addition, a monthly release of N400 million has been approved to address the longstanding backlog of pensions and gratuities, some dating back to 1986.
“The administration has not only cleared arrears but has also fully implemented the N70,000 minimum wage and adjusted pensions upward,” Gadong said. Retirees who previously earned as low as N5,000 monthly are now receiving a minimum of N20,000, he added.
On capacity building, the civil service has witnessed a revival of training programs. Over 4,000 newly recruited staff have undergone induction courses, and a specialized training was conducted for 170 Executive Officers on routine office procedures, held between April 28 and 30, 2025, at Fox Hotel in Jos.
In a bid to improve staff housing and living conditions, the government has committed over N372 million for land acquisition in Bassa Local Government Area to kick-start a new civil service housing scheme. Gadong emphasized that these reforms are aligned with the “Time is Now” mantra, aimed at building a future-ready civil service.
Government Transparency and Accountability Take Center Stage
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.
“This ministerial press briefing bridges the gap between government and citizens by providing access to information and promoting a culture of accountability,” Ramnap said.
She noted that the Mutfwang administration, despite facing security challenges, has remained committed to physical development, peace-building, and socio-economic reforms. “This administration’s agenda is a synthesis of the people’s aspirations,” she added.
Commerce and Industry: Plateau Positioned as Economic Powerhouse
In a robust presentation, Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nyalum M. Salisu, unveiled economic strategies aimed at repositioning Plateau State as a hub for business and industrial activity. Key among these is the launch of a digital platform for registering business premises, which enables businesses to register from the comfort of their homes.
The ministry has also facilitated access to credit for small businesses through collaborations with financial institutions and universities. According to Salisu, the goal is to make financing more affordable and improve the ease of doing business.
Significant progress has also been made in promoting exports, with cooperatives and agricultural businesses now accessing national and international markets. Industrial investments are picking up, with new facilities capable of producing up to 150 tons of flour daily, including firms like NASCO and Begging Bright Flour.
To support informal markets, the ministry has commenced plans to construct uniform market shelves to bring order to trading environments. Over 120 women and cooperatives have been trained to enhance productivity and entrepreneurship.
Looking forward, Salisu expressed optimism about the ministry’s goal to strengthen public-private partnerships and expand the industrial base. “We are laying the foundation for a commercial future that empowers all,” he concluded.
Land and Survey: A Gender-Inclusive and Digitally-Driven Reform
Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking announcements came from the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, where Commissioner Hon. Peter Nyam Gai revealed that women in Plateau State can now access land registration forms for free.
“This initiative encourages women to own land and participate in property development,” Gai said, adding that men are still required to pay for the forms.
The ministry has also completed the construction of a modern office complex using internally generated funds. The facility houses a newly built boardroom, touted as the best in the state, which will serve as a venue for high-level meetings and conferences.
In a move to ensure staff welfare, the ministry has established a sickbay that provides free treatment for its workers—a rarity for a non-health sector ministry. Additionally, transportation support and retreats have been organized to expose staff to best practices in digital land systems.
Financially, the ministry has seen a dramatic increase in internally generated revenue, moving from N250 million to over N700 million in one year. As of May 19, 2024, it had already generated N418 million toward its N2.4 billion target for the year.
The ministry is also pushing a systemic land titling initiative that brings land registration services directly to the people. Old paper-based land documents are being recertified and upgraded to modern, tamper-proof certificates.
A Government of Bold Initiatives
The collective scorecards presented by various ministries offer a clear picture of an administration that is keen on institutional reform, economic revitalization, and citizen inclusion. From digital innovation to social welfare and gender-responsive policies, the Mutfwang-led government is laying down strong governance foundations.
As Plateau State approaches the second anniversary of this administration, the stories emerging from Jos are no longer just about intentions—they are about impactful actions and a government that is placing people at the heart of its mission.
count | 31
