Plateau State Government says it has spent a total of N38,168,470,667.00 on 32 projects inherited from past administrations. The projects within the “main Ministries” exclude those
from Agencies, Commissions and Parastatals, the State Governor,
Simon Lalong said, Wednesday.
In the next four years, the State hopes to further complete
all inherited infrastructure projects across key sectors, Lalong said
at a Democracy Day town hall meeting in Jos the State capital.
It also hopes to prioritize new projects that have “significant multiplier potential”, said the Governor.
“These projects are expected to not only enhance and
lubricate the economy of the state, but upgrade the quality of human
capital.
“They include, but not limited to Education, Health,
Tourism, Commerce, Roads, Water, Agriculture and Food Security, etc.,”
Lalong stated.
The projects according to the second term Governor are to
be categorized into Short, Medium and Long Terms of the next six months,
two years and entire four years, respectively.
Sources of funds for projects
The state was able to increase its Internally Generated
Revenue (IGR) from N6.9billion per annum in 2015 to N12.7billion per
annuum in 2018, but still lacks adequate funds to meet infrastructural
goals, Gov. Lalong said.
However, the State in the next four years aims to generate a minimum of N2.5 biilion per month (N50 billion per annum), he said.
In addition, the Governor said the state will develop its
Agricultural, Mineral, Tourism and Human Capital resources through
“strategic approaches.”
In his words, “Going forward, the Rescue administration
phase II will take concrete steps to encourage commercial agriculture
and Food Processing, Livestock And Dairy Development.
“In specific terms, government will pay special attention
to those crops that are unique to Plateau State in which we have
competitive advantage like Apples, Coffee, Strawberries, Rose Flowers,
Irish Potatoes, Acha, etc.
“The ASTC and the PADP will be revamped and repositioned to
achieve their goals, while the Government will complete the purchase of
BARC farms to serve as a vehicle for joint partnership with reputable
commercial agricultural firms.
“Provision of critical inputs like seedlings and
fertilizers will be a top priority, in addition to upgrading the
Extension Advisory Services.
“Lamentably, the huge mineral resource endowments of our
state have remained mere potentials without adding value to our people.
In the next four years Government will adopt a new approach; given our
newly promulgated Policy on Mineral Development.
“In preparation for this, the State Government has revived
its Mineral Development Company (PMDC Ltd) and will adequately
recapitalize it to serve as our vehicle for any joint partnership with
serious minded investors.
“Similarly, the State Government has entered into
partnership with PW Ltd to produce relevant geo-technical data and
survey maps that would facilitate and fast track the investment in the
mining sector
“In addition, we have set in motion machinery for working
relationship between relevant State agencies and the Federal Ministry of
Mines and Mining Development to ensure that mining activities in the
State are effectively monitored and the interest of our people
protected.
“In the tourism sector, the state Government recently
declared a State of Emergency and also launched the state Tourism
Policy. This implies paying special attention in terms of upgrading our
tourist facilities and creating the conducive environment for both
domestic and international tourism to grow.
“In appreciation of contributions of the private sector in
partnering with us to drive the economy of the State, government will
continue to place emphasis in creating more conducive and enabling
environment for business to thrive.
“Government will ensure that the necessary incentives like
easier access to land titles are implemented and the State One-Stop-Shop
Initiative is completed so that all obstacles to doing business are
removed.
“Plateau State is blessed with huge human capital. Our
bulging youth population is a very special asset that will be
aggressively harnessed especially in areas of entrepreneurship and ICT
so as to tackle unemployment. Government will maximally utilize the
enormous potentials that abound with the creation of the Plateau ICT
Development Agency (PICTDA).
“The PLASMIDA will be specially empowered to undertake
entrepreneurship and skills training for youth and women across the
State as a deliberate strategy for boosting self-reliance. A special
Enterprise Fund of N2billion Naira in partnership between PLASMIDA and
the Bank of Industry will soon take off to provide loans and capacity
building for Entrepreneurs across the State.”