Governor Mutfwang Celebrates Two Years in Office, Highlights Milestones and Vision for Plateau’s Transformation

Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has marked the second anniversary of his administration with a powerful state broadcast, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and aspirations of his government since taking office on May 29, 2023. In a message delivered to the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his commitment to transformational leadership, inclusive governance, and sustainable development under the guiding mantra, “Time Is Now.”*

Speaking from Government House, Jos, the Governor expressed deep gratitude for the trust reposed in him and his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, and commended the resilience of Plateau citizens who stood firm in the face of adversity.

> “We faced legal distractions, continued attacks on our rural communities, and a broken economy. Yet, we did not falter. We kept faith. We stayed the course,” he stated.

Governor Mutfwang detailed key security initiatives, including the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, the launch of an Emergency Communications Centre with a toll-free line, and the establishment of a Plateau State Activity Centre equipped with surveillance technology to strengthen security coordination and response.

Significant reforms in the civil service were noted. The administration cleared 4-5 months of inherited salary arrears, restored payment of gratuities and pensions (the first since 1984), and reinstated training and promotions. Government offices previously disconnected from electricity have also been reconnected, improving administrative efficiency.

A major highlight of Governor Mutfwang’s address was the success of the Tin City Metro Transport Service, which now benefits over 9,000 daily passengers, easing the economic burden on commuters. With 30 brand new buses now in operation and refurbished interstate vehicles plying the Jos–Abuja route, urban mobility has seen notable improvement.

Air and rail transport have also been targeted for development, with a new partnership with ValueJet Airlines offering thrice-weekly Jos–Abuja and Jos–Lagos flights, and an ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to revive rail services.

The administration has distributed ₦16 billion worth of fertilizers and farming inputs, recovered 900 hectares of farmland for displaced persons, and signed an MoU with IITA Ibadan to train youth in agribusiness. A shift toward mechanized agriculture is underway with 20 tractors already procured under the ACReSAL project, alongside the transformation of PADP into Plateau Agri-Business Development Agency (PABDA).

A dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development has been created to resolve the farmer-herder crisis and enhance Plateau’s livestock economy. The Wase grazing reserve is being revived to support ranching with non-migratory cattle breeds.

The Governor announced that:

* 111 km of urban roads have been rehabilitated by the Road Maintenance Agency
* Over 3,000 km of abandoned roads initiated during the Jang administration are under construction
* 66.4 km of urban roads supervised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are at various completion stages
* Over 380 km of rural roads are being constructed under the Rural Access & Agricultural Marketing Project
* 26.7 km of roads are nearing completion under the NG-Cares initiative.

Education reforms included:

* 50% tuition cuts for Plateau indigenes
* 300% increase in scholarship funding
* Elevation of College of Education, Gindiri to degree-awarding status
* Plateau Polytechnic enrollment surged from 3,000 to 8,000
* Renovation of 148 classroom blocks and borehole provision across 17 LGAs.

Governor Mutfwang celebrated improvements at Plateau Specialist Hospital, the installation of equipment worth ₦2 billion, and increased consultant recruitment. Other milestones include:

* Renovation of primary health centres
* Procurement of Ultrasound/X-ray machines
* 9,000 vulnerable citizens covered under the Mutfwang Healthcare Initiative.
* Health insurance enrollment increased from 93,605 to 208,550.

Water projects include:

* ₦30 billion Langtang North water scheme
* Construction of isolated water schemes in Bokkos, Mangu, Jos South, Langtang, Wase
* Solar-powered boreholes in all 17 LGAs

Environmental reforms include the revival of monthly sanitation, increased stipends for street sweepers, and strong action against open defecation.

Governor Mutfwang spoke of ongoing transformations at Jos Wildlife Park, revival of Plateau and Hill Station Hotels, and support for cultural festivals. Jos now boasts one of the highest hotel room occupancy rates in Nigeria.

Several laws have been signed to improve access to justice, protect vulnerable groups, and promote mediation and legal ethics. These are part of the Governor’s broader vision of an efficient and inclusive judicial system.

Despite higher FAAC allocations, the Governor emphasized that in real terms (dollar value), the state is still managing limited resources with strict financial prudence. His administration has refrained from interfering with Local Government funds, empowering councils to implement grassroots development projects in health, education, roads, and market infrastructure.

As the administration enters its third year, priority projects include:

* Rebuilding the burnt Jos Main Market
* Constructing a modern market at Maraban Jama’a
* Setting up agro-logistics centres in Shendam, Mangu, and Jengre
* Establishing a new modern abattoir
* Creating new animal trading markets

He assured communities affected by violence that rebuilding and resettlement efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners.

In his closing remarks, Governor Mutfwang paid tribute to traditional rulers, civil servants, youth, women, security agencies, and community leaders for their support. He also thanked the PDP leadership and
members of the State Executive Council.

“We may not have reached the mountain top yet, but we are no longer in the valley… Plateau is rising again — and by the grace of God, we shall all rise with it,” he concluded.