In a bid to prepare for the implementation of the New Greater Jos Master Plan, the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development organized a two-day seminar aimed at building capacity and raising awareness among key stakeholders.
The seminar, held on January 30 and 31, 2025, at Centre La’Sharp, was themed “Challenges of Preparation and Implementation of Physical Master Plan in Plateau State.” It convened key figures, including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Samson Ishaku Bugama), the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan (represented by Hon. Abel Nansak, Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development), members of the State Executive Council, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and representatives of various interest groups.
Governor Mutfwang: Transforming Plateau’s Urban Landscape
Declaring the seminar open, Governor Mutfwang, through his representative Samson Ishaku Bugama, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban transformation.
“Cities in developed nations like China have become smart through strategic planning. Plateau State, with its many urban slums, must transform. This seminar aims to equip stakeholders with knowledge, enhance collaboration, and introduce modern urban planning techniques,” he stated.
Housing Commissioner Advocates Inclusive Planning
The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Laven Ubandoma Joshua, underscored the importance of stakeholder involvement in the master plan’s success.
“This initiative ensures that all stakeholders are included and that the public is well-informed about the need to align with these sustainable development goals from the outset,” he emphasized.
He highlighted the master plan’s potential to improve land use, infrastructure, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation, assuring that the implementation process would be driven by transparency, accountability, and technology.
Plateau Assembly Backs Legislative Support for Master Plan
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, represented by Hon. Abel Nansak, pledged the Assembly’s full backing for the project.
“We are committed to ensuring that the outcomes of this seminar translate into practical solutions. The House of Assembly will provide the necessary legislative support,” he assured.
Experts Highlight Planning Best Practices
Guest speaker Barnabas Atiyaye delivered insights on “Introduction to the Physical Master Planning Process,” emphasizing that sustainable urban planning requires stakeholder involvement.
“Successful cities like Singapore, Dubai, and Abuja demonstrate that inclusive, data-driven planning is key to sustainable growth,” he said, outlining the importance of visionary leadership, phased implementation, and public engagement.
Similarly, Prof. Laraba Rikko, MNTTP, discussed the key principles of physical planning, stressing its role in economic growth, infrastructure development, and urban order.
“A master plan must anticipate future needs such as population growth, education, healthcare, and commercial spaces while ensuring resource sustainability, strong policies, and adequate funding,” she stated.
Call for Security Integration and Legal Backing
The Chairman of Bassa Local Government, Hon. Joshua Sunday Riti, urged the government to integrate security technology, such as surveillance cameras and strategic security deployments, into the master plan.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai, noted that past master plans lacked legal backing, which hindered implementation.
“The previous plan was never enacted into law, preventing its full execution. We call on the State House of Assembly to facilitate the legal process to ensure this plan’s success,” he said.
Defining Stakeholders’ Roles in Implementation
Prof. Dung Gwom, MNITP, outlined the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the master plan’s execution.
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will lead in policy formulation, urban planning, and law enforcement.
- The state government will provide legislative and financial support.
- Local communities must adhere to zoning regulations and participate in planning discussions.
- The private sector is encouraged to invest in housing and infrastructure aligned with the master plan.
- Civil society organizations will help monitor implementation and promote transparency.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would ensure structured urban growth and improved living standards in Plateau State.
Other thought-provoking presentations included:
- Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships in the Implementation of the Master Plan and Its Provisions – Prof. Mustapha Zubairu
- Stakeholder Collaboration in the Preparation and Implementation of Master Plans – Prof. Samuel Wapwera
- Challenges in the Implementation of Physical Master Plans – Istifanus Kassem George
The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, where stakeholders shared their concerns and identified potential challenges and gray areas.
At the close of the two-day seminar, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Laven Ubandoma Joshua, emphasized that the new Greater Jos Master Plan will span 20 years.
“With the old master plan ending this year, the new master plan—already in motion since 2024—will last for 20 years and cover Jos North, Bukuru, Riyom, Bassa, and Barkin Ladi. So far, the resource persons have done an excellent job sensitizing stakeholders on their roles and expectations regarding the Greater Jos Master Plan. Issues, challenges, and areas for improvement have been identified, which will help us avoid the lapses of the previous master plan while enhancing it.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Yop Rwang, Esq., stated that the ministry is currently working on developing its own policies to ensure that proper standards are established for the implementation of the master plan.
A communiqué summarizing the key takeaways from the seminar was presented by Rwang Bot Yakubu. Some of the major points for stakeholders included:
- Visible master plans are prerequisites for sustainable urban growth and development.
- The passage of the master plan into law is crucial—without legal backing, there is no plan.
- Town planners’ roles should not be handed over to non-planners.
- All ministries and departments should establish physical planning units to ensure proper implementation.
- There is a need for synergy and cooperation among stakeholders.
- Government acquisition of land is essential for urban planning.
- Housing and urban development policies should be created for the state.
- The government must prioritize data collection to support modern technologies needed for smart cities.
- A regional plan should serve as a blueprint for all sectors of the Plateau State economy.
- Investment in data acquisition for planning purposes is necessary.
- The state must acquire digital maps to integrate them into the master plan effectively.
- The Law Reforms Committee should expedite its review of laws related to master plan preparation and implementation.
- The issue of street naming and house numbering must be deliberately addressed for proper identification.
- Green areas and organized open spaces should be protected and retained.
- The government must prioritize the recruitment of town planners and deploy them across all local government areas.
- Strict adherence to the standards set in the new Greater Jos Master Plan is essential.