By Israel Adamu, Jos
The people of Plateau State made a bold and resounding choice during the 2023 elections by electing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was a vote of confidence rooted in hope, experience, and the collective desire for purposeful leadership and a prosperous future for the state.
Two years into his tenure, Governor Mutfwang spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Jos, the state capital, about his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity and driving transformation across all sectors of the Plateau economy.
“We have restored hope and confidence in governance, and we have brought inclusive development across all segments of the state without sentiment,” the governor declared, expressing gratitude to the people for their support since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Security: Responding with Resolve
Governor Mutfwang noted that one of the administration’s first actions was convening a security council meeting—an event that had not occurred for nearly a year prior.
“It’s unfortunate that the security challenges have persisted, but without the intelligence-led interventions we’ve undertaken, Plateau would be in a far worse state,” he said.
While acknowledging sporadic and opportunistic attacks, he stated that no local government in Plateau is currently a “no-go area,” and that the state is safer than many others.
“We don’t have resident bandit camps except in isolated cases like Wase, where we’ve successfully pushed back and reclaimed ground.”
He highlighted the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, a local security initiative, as a key complementary effort alongside federal forces.
Redefining Leadership and Inclusive Governance
The governor reiterated his commitment to governance rooted in leadership, not politics.
“I’m in politics, but I’m not a politician in the traditional sense. My aim is not just to occupy office, but to lead Plateau to economic self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.”
He described his approach as people-centered, emphasizing impact across all sectors including health, education, sports, agriculture, and mining.
“One of our greatest achievements is restoring hope. Plateau people now believe that tomorrow can be better.”
Economy and Infrastructure: Progress Amid Constraints
Governor Mutfwang detailed strides made despite limited resources. Upon assuming office, his administration inherited four and a half months of unpaid salaries, which were resolved within two months.
“Salary payment is not an achievement—it’s a basic obligation. But we’re proud to have stabilized the system and implemented the minimum wage promptly.”
He also addressed improvements in work environments, training for civil servants, and infrastructure development, particularly road construction in both urban and rural areas.
“We did not discriminate. We constructed roads in Christian and Muslim communities alike. Governance should unite, not divide.”
The governor emphasized the revival of air and rail transport systems, noting that Jos now hosts regular flights to Abuja and Lagos, and that the train service has resumed.
Transportation and Fuel Subsidy Response
Reacting to the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, Mutfwang said his administration responded by investing heavily in the transport sector.
“We chose to subsidize transport instead of distributing food palliatives. This allows people to save up to ₦50,000 monthly in transportation costs.”
He noted that ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation has revived train operations, and that Jos Airport is being positioned as a regional cargo hub under a new MoU with FAAN.
Health and Education: Foundations for Future Growth
Governor Mutfwang highlighted substantial progress in the health sector, particularly at Plateau Specialist Hospital where six departments have been upgraded and a modern diagnostic lab established.
In education, institutions like Plateau Polytechnic, Plateau State University, and the College of Education Gindiri have seen increased enrollment, new programs, and improved infrastructure.
“We’ve stabilized tertiary institutions and introduced degree programs. We’re also focusing on retraining teachers and improving WAEC performance.”
Agriculture and Economic Diversification
Describing agriculture as Plateau’s economic backbone, the governor revealed reforms including the splitting of the Agriculture Ministry to focus on crops and livestock separately.
“We’re working to transform Plateau Potatoes into an internationally competitive brand. Our farmers deserve better yields, better markets, and fair pricing.”
He spoke about efforts to revive the failed tissue culture lab with support from the African Development Bank and ongoing partnerships with global seed companies like Agrico of the Netherlands.
The establishment of the Plateau Commodities Marketing Company (PLACOM) is another milestone aimed at stabilizing pricing and empowering farmers.
“With improved aggregation centers in Shendam, Mangu, and Jingri, we’re building toward an international market of daily patronage on the Plateau.”
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): A Promising Surge
Governor Mutfwang reported significant improvements in the state’s IGR.
“When we came in, IGR was about ₦800 million. Last month, we hit ₦3.5 billion. But we’re not interested in taxing poverty—we want to grow businesses and then tax income.”
