Plateau State Government Drives Reforms in Governance, Economy, and Gender Equality

Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Plateau State is witnessing a comprehensive wave of reforms aimed at enhancing governance, boosting professionalism, and fostering inclusive development. These initiatives span across key sectors such as the civil service, commerce, and land administration, with a strong emphasis on improving service delivery, empowering citizens economically, and promoting gender equality.

These developments were outlined during a series of ministerial press briefings at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, where heads of various ministries provided updates on the administration’s progress under its ambitious “Time is Now” agenda.

### Civil Service: Revitalizing Welfare, Training, and Housing

The Plateau State Civil Service is undergoing a major transformation aimed at improving professionalism, productivity, and staff welfare. Head of Civil Service, Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, outlined several key measures taken by the Mutfwang administration to breathe new life into the service.

Notably, all outstanding salary arrears have been settled, and monthly salary payments are now being made punctually. Additionally, a monthly sum of N400 million has been earmarked to clear long-standing pension and gratuity backlogs, with some payments dating as far back as 1986.

“We’ve not only cleared salary arrears but also implemented the N70,000 minimum wage and increased pension amounts,” Gadong shared. Retirees, who once received as little as N5,000 a month, are now receiving no less than N20,000.

On training and capacity building, over 4,000 newly recruited civil servants have completed induction programs, while 170 Executive Officers recently participated in a specialized training on office procedures in April 2025.

To improve housing conditions, the government has allocated over N372 million to acquire land in Bassa Local Government Area for the development of civil service housing. These initiatives are part of the broader “Time is Now” agenda, designed to build a modern, responsive civil service.

### Transparency and Citizen Engagement at the Forefront

During her address, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, highlighted the administration’s commitment to transparency and enhancing government-citizen engagement. The ministerial press briefings, she noted, are part of efforts to provide citizens with accurate information and foster a culture of accountability.

Despite challenges such as security concerns, Ramnap reaffirmed that the Mutfwang administration remains steadfast in its commitment to physical development, peace-building, and socio-economic reforms that reflect the wishes and needs of the people.

### Commerce and Industry: Strengthening Plateau’s Economic Base

Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nyalum M. Salisu, unveiled a series of strategic moves to position Plateau State as an economic hub. A key development is the launch of an online platform for business registration, allowing entrepreneurs to register their businesses remotely.

In partnership with financial institutions and universities, the government has worked to make credit more accessible to small businesses, facilitating a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship.

The state has also made strides in promoting exports, with cooperatives and agricultural enterprises now able to reach both national and international markets. Salisu highlighted the growth in industrial investments, with new flour mills capable of producing 150 tons daily, including facilities from companies such as NASCO and Begging Bright Flour.

Plans to support informal markets are also underway, including the construction of standardized market shelves. Over 120 women and cooperatives have undergone training to enhance productivity and business skills.

Looking ahead, Salisu expressed confidence that the government’s continued focus on public-private partnerships will strengthen Plateau’s industrial and commercial base, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.

### Land and Survey: Gender-Inclusive and Digitally-Driven Reforms

The Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, led by Hon. Peter Nyam Gai, introduced groundbreaking reforms aimed at both modernizing the land administration system and empowering women. In a significant move, Gai announced that women in Plateau State can now access land registration forms for free, a key initiative aimed at promoting female participation in property ownership and development.

The ministry has also completed the construction of a modern office complex funded through internally generated revenue. The facility includes a newly built boardroom for hosting high-level meetings and conferences. Additionally, the ministry has introduced a sickbay to provide free healthcare for its staff.

Revenue generation has seen remarkable growth, with the ministry increasing its internally generated funds from N250 million to over N700 million in just one year. By May 19, 2024, the ministry had already raised N418 million toward its annual target of N2.4 billion.

Another major initiative is the ongoing land titling reform, which is converting old paper-based land documents into secure, tamper-proof certificates. This digital upgrade is streamlining the registration process and bringing services directly to the people.

### A Government of Progress and Innovation

The comprehensive reforms presented by various ministries paint a picture of an administration determined to drive institutional reform, economic recovery, and inclusive development. With a focus on digital innovation, social welfare, and gender equity, the Mutfwang administration is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, progressive Plateau State.

As the administration nears its second anniversary, the actions and policies emerging from Jos are no longer merely promises—they represent substantial progress, signaling a government committed to improving the lives of the people and ensuring a brighter future for Plateau State.