In a bold demonstration of his resolute commitment to the social contract with the people of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has outlined the strategic interventions of his administration across key sectors, particularly in strengthening security, improving infrastructure, and revitalizing the economy.
Speaking during an interactive media session on Tuesday with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Publishers Association, Plateau Bloggers Association, and Social Media Influencers at the Twin Theater, New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang gave a comprehensive account of his administration’s achievements since taking office on May 29, 2023.
The Governor emphasized that the administration’s priority has been to build a resilient security architecture, especially in rural communities, to promote peace, restore confidence, and attract investment into the state. He noted that one of the first steps taken was to convene a strategic meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, leading to coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit, and the enlistment of patriotic community members for intelligence gathering and early warning systems as key strategies that have helped curb insecurity. He explained that these interventions, combined with logistical support to conventional security agencies, have stabilized most parts of the state.
“Plateau is safer than many other North-Central states today,” the Governor asserted. “We have no local government under the full control of bandits. Opportunistic attacks may still occur, but our proactive responses have averted worse outcomes.”
On the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Mutfwang said the state prioritized investment in affordable mass transit rather than ad hoc palliatives. “We chose to subsidize transportation instead of distributing handouts. The Metro Bus Scheme is helping commuters save between ₦40,000 to ₦50,000 monthly,” he explained.
He further announced the resumption of train services in the state, made possible through collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation. “Rail transport is the most affordable mode globally. While some doubted our pace, we have successfully restored services, and citizens are embracing them.”
Governor Mutfwang added that his administration has recorded significant improvement in air connectivity, stating: “Today, Plateau State has three weekly flights to Abuja and seven to Lagos. This is a major leap from where we started.” He revealed that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade the Yakubu Gowon Airport to a Cargo International Airport, a move that will bolster agro-exports and open new international markets for Plateau produce.
On tourism and hospitality, the Governor declared that Jos is no longer perceived as a “no-go zone,” citing significant improvements in hotel services and room occupancy rates. He mentioned some high-profile events hosted recently in the state, including the NBA Legal Practice Conference and national constitutional review consultations, which have repositioned Plateau as a choice destination for conferences and tourism.
In the area of infrastructure, Governor Mutfwang said road networks have been realigned with the state’s urban renewal agenda to ensure balanced development across Jos-Bukuru metropolis and surrounding communities. “We did not discriminate. Our roads pass through Christian, Muslim, and mixed communities. People are witnessing the dividends of unity and inclusive governance,” he said.
Commenting on rural development, the Governor revealed that large portions of land previously under bandit control in Wase have been reclaimed. “The grazing reserve in Wase is now secure and open for agricultural investment. That’s a major achievement in our drive for food security.”
On welfare and governance, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to timely payment of salaries and improvement of civil service conditions. “Salary payment is a duty, not a favour,” he emphasized. “We have also reinvigorated training and welfare schemes for our workforce.”
In the health sector, he announced the completion of a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, equipped with modern facilities for precise diagnosis. He said the hospital has undergone a structural upgrade and expansion of departments in preparation for its conversion into a teaching hospital, thereby increasing its capacity to attend to patients with complex health conditions.
Governor Mutfwang also reported that the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has been revitalized and now records significantly increased enrolment, particularly among rural dwellers. In addition, the Governor said the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency, commissioned last year, has curbed the circulation of counterfeit drugs, ensuring only certified medications are supplied to healthcare facilities across the state.
On education, the Governor said his administration inherited tertiary institutions in dire straits. He cited the Plateau State Polytechnic, which had less than 3,000 students at the time, but now has over 6,000 due to deliberate intervention. He also disclosed that the Plateau State University, Bokkos, was on the brink of losing accreditation for several courses, but has now regained stability. “The Faculty of Medicine and other new departments are being developed through strategic investments,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation to journalists for their crucial role in promoting the government’s development initiatives, describing them as essential partners in the growth and transformation of the state.
“We don’t claim to have arrived, but we are firmly on course. Plateau is rising,” he declared.
Reassuring the people of his continued dedication to transformational leadership, he said: “I’m in politics to lead Plateau to a better future, economically vibrant, socially cohesive, and globally competitive.”
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