Concerned Plateau Citizens in the Diaspora have urged the Plateau State Government to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy, strengthen diaspora partnerships and provide greater transparency on the activities of the Plateau State Diaspora Desk.
In a policy statement dated October 9, 2026, the group welcomed the revitalisation of the historic Hill Station Hotel in Jos, describing it as a positive investment in the state’s hospitality and tourism sector.
The group also commended the state government and private investors involved in the project, particularly reports that the hotel now employs 96 people, including more than 85 Plateau indigenes.
It noted that the employment opportunities represent an important contribution to local livelihoods and economic activity but stressed that the benefits of such investments should be assessed beyond the restoration of infrastructure.
According to the group, the sustainability of jobs, workforce development, local procurement and the impact of investments on surrounding communities should form part of the broader assessment of economic progress.
It questioned how the hotel’s revitalisation fits into a coordinated economic development strategy capable of generating employment and attracting investments across other sectors.
“Development should not be measured primarily by the number of projects commissioned, but by their cumulative contribution to economic productivity, human development, institutional effectiveness, and citizens’ quality of life,” the statement said.
The group identified agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology and tourism as sectors with significant potential to drive economic growth in Plateau State.
It called on the government to communicate its economic priorities, investment plans, implementation timelines and measurable employment targets.
Group seeks transparency on Plateau Diaspora Desk
The diaspora citizens also called for greater clarity on the mandate, operations and achievements of the Plateau State Diaspora Desk.
They asked the government to provide information on the office’s strategic priorities, institutional partnerships, work plan and measurable contributions to the state’s development.
The group said diaspora engagement should go beyond maintaining relationships with citizens abroad and encouraging financial remittances to include professional expertise, research, policy development, technical collaboration and institutional capacity building.
It stressed that the establishment of an office or appointment of an official was not, on its own, evidence of an effective diaspora engagement strategy.
The statement clarified that the request was not intended as a personal criticism of the official responsible for diaspora affairs but as a call for institutional transparency and public accountability.
It further urged the government to demonstrate how the Diaspora Desk collaborates with existing agencies responsible for investment promotion, economic planning and public policy implementation.
Calls for structured diaspora partnerships
The group proposed a more structured approach to engaging Plateau indigenes living abroad, focusing on policy and governance partnerships, economic investment, and knowledge transfer.
It recommended creating opportunities for qualified diaspora professionals to work with government institutions, universities, civil society organisations and local experts on issues such as insecurity, healthcare, education, agricultural development, youth unemployment and public administration.
It also called for practical investment mechanisms that would provide diaspora entrepreneurs with reliable information on business opportunities, regulatory requirements, institutional contacts and investment safeguards.
On knowledge transfer, the group proposed sustained partnerships with foreign universities, healthcare institutions, research centres and professional associations to support technical assistance, research collaboration, professional exchanges and institutional training.
“Meaningful diaspora engagement should be institutional, not personality-driven; strategic, not ceremonial; and measurable, not merely aspirational,” the statement said.
Five recommendations to government
To translate its proposals into practical outcomes, the group outlined five measures for consideration by the Plateau State Government.
These include publishing a clear economic development and employment framework; clarifying the mandate and performance of the Diaspora Desk; establishing a structured diaspora policy and development partnership framework; creating transparent pathways for diaspora investment and professional collaboration; and institutionalising consultation, monitoring and public reporting.
The group also encouraged the government to initiate structured dialogue with recognised diaspora organisations within the next 90 days and establish a mechanism for periodically reporting on diaspora engagement, investment partnerships, policy contributions and development outcomes.
It cautioned against creating additional bureaucratic structures where existing institutions could be strengthened to deliver the desired results.
“Plateau State does not necessarily need more offices or advisers. It needs institutions that function, policies that are implemented, and partnerships that produce results,” the statement added.
Security remains critical to economic growth
The diaspora citizens also emphasised the importance of security, institutional stability and reliable infrastructure in attracting and sustaining investment.
They argued that businesses could not thrive consistently where insecurity threatens lives, agricultural production, transportation, livelihoods and commercial activities.
The group called for stronger protection of citizens, respect for the rule of law, improved infrastructure and a predictable policy environment.
It added that communities affected by recurring violence and displacement needed security, access to essential services and opportunities for economic recovery.
According to the statement, the revitalisation of historic landmarks should be accompanied by efforts to rebuild communities whose economic and social foundations have been weakened by insecurity and inadequate development.
“Economic development and human security are not competing priorities. They are mutually reinforcing responsibilities of effective governance,” it said.
Diaspora citizens pledge support for development
The group acknowledged that sustainable development required cooperation among government, the private sector, civil society, local communities, academic institutions, development partners and citizens at home and abroad.
It also urged members of the diaspora to contribute beyond remittances and public commentary by providing professional mentorship, policy proposals, responsible investment, technical expertise and sustained institutional partnerships.
The statement stressed that diaspora participation should complement local knowledge and expertise rather than displace professionals and institutions already working within Plateau State.
It called for engagement based on competence, integrity and the value of contributions rather than political affiliation or personal connections.
The group concluded by describing the Hill Station Hotel revitalisation as an opportunity to consider how similar investments and employment opportunities could be replicated across the state.
While welcoming the reported employment of 96 people at the hotel, the diaspora citizens said Plateau State’s long-term development should be measured by its ability to expand businesses, strengthen industries, improve livelihoods, create meaningful employment and build accountable institutions.
They reaffirmed their readiness to contribute professional expertise, policy ideas, institutional relationships and investment towards a more prosperous Plateau State, while urging the government to establish credible channels for collaboration.
The statement was issued by Concerned Plateau Citizens in the Diaspora.
