The Plateau State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Laven Ubandoma, has dismissed viral online claims suggesting that some ongoing road and infrastructure projects in the state are being funded by the World Bank, clarifying that all current projects under his ministry are financed solely by the Plateau State Government.
Ubandoma made the clarification during a press engagement held at his office in the Plateau State Secretariat, following a wave of online speculation triggered by a WhatsApp status screenshot shared on Facebook. The post, which displayed a project signpost bearing the World Bank logo, had sparked widespread debate and political commentary, particularly among APC-affiliated groups.
According to the commissioner, the allegations were baseless and politically motivated. “There is no single World Bank project under the Ministry of Works. Every project currently ongoing is funded 100% by the Plateau State Government, through taxpayers’ money and state revenue subventions,” Ubandoma stated.
He explained that upon assumption of office, the ministry inherited about 45 abandoned projects, out of which 19 have been re-engaged and three fully completed, including the Mararaban Jama – Millionaires Junction Bridge, the Secretary Junction Flyover, and the Shendam Township Bypass Road.
“These are state-funded projects, not World Bank interventions,” he emphasized. “We came in, completed payments for projects that were abandoned, and ensured continuity instead of starting afresh. Governance doesn’t stop because a new administration comes in.”
The commissioner listed several other state-funded projects currently ongoing across the 17 local government areas, including:
- Zawan Junction Roundabout – Mararaban Jama Road (with bridge works)
- Mangu – Kengyel – Lere Road, abandoned for over eight years
- Gungji – Shoi – Kwi Road
- Dualization of Old Airport Road – Government House Roundabout – Rayfield – Chang Opia – Road 16 (16 km, handled by PW Nigeria Ltd)
- Jingre – Amokatako – Karambana Road (6 km, with five bridges)
Ubandoma also highlighted road interventions in Eurofarms, Dabwal, Zarmaganda, and Mazaram, as well as major networks like the Kukari – Foron – Lamba Road, Bukuru – Yelwa Club Junction – Wildspot – Raho – Kanan Road, and the Langkang – Pangshin – Kuampan Road, which links central and southern parts of the state to the northeast.
On solar street lighting, he noted that over 2,800 lamps and 1,800 poles have been installed across Jos and Bukuru metropolis by Blue Camel Construction Company, not the World Bank. These include routes such as Secretariat Junction – Mararaban Jama, Tin Junction – Rayfield – Kanan, and Terminus – Bauchi Road – University of Jos, among others.
Ubandoma, however, raised concern over recurring vandalism, especially around Bauchi Road Bridge and University of Jos, which has resulted in the destruction of streetlight poles and lamps. “We call on community leaders and political office holders to sensitize residents. Vandalism affects everyone and slows progress,” he warned.
He further disclosed that the state government is also intervening in federal roads, such as the Feringada Road and Mararaban Jama Federal Road, to ease the hardship of residents.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the commissioner said: “Every project I’ve mentioned — from Mararaban Jama to Lantang, Langkang, Shendam, Zawan, and Kuru — is funded directly by the Plateau State Government. The World Bank has no involvement in any of these projects.”
Ubandoma concluded by commending the media for being “the eyes and ears of the populace,” urging them to continue fact-checking and reporting accurately. “Our works speak for themselves. Anyone who doubts should come with facts,” he said.
“We are too focused to be distracted by propaganda. Plateau people trusted us with this mandate, and we will not fail them. Our mission is to ensure that every part of Plateau State feels the dividends of democracy through visible, people-centered infrastructure.”
