In a bold step toward transparency and good governance, the Plateau State Government has concluded a series of ministerial press briefings aimed at showcasing the administration’s performance under Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The event, held at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, brought together top government officials and stakeholders as commissioners outlined reforms, developmental strides, and the far-reaching impact of policies initiated since 2023.
From fiscal discipline to education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure, the briefings painted a clear picture of a government focused on results.
Restoring Fiscal Order and Supporting Workers
Leading the charge was the Ministry of Finance, headed by Hon. Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta. The ministry reported clearing over ₦14 billion in outstanding obligations, including salaries, pensions, and third-party deductions—a critical move to rebuild public trust.
A ₦500 million savings was also realized through a comprehensive payroll verification exercise, which helped eliminate ghost workers and streamline expenditures. Workers benefited from prompt implementation of the new minimum wage and a 75% hazard allowance for health workers.
To cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, ₦12,000 monthly palliatives were disbursed to workers, pensioners, and appointees—amounting to ₦1.6 billion in support. The minimum pension was increased from ₦5,188 to ₦20,000, and street cleaners now earn ₦16,000 monthly.
Boosting Education Through Investment and Accreditation
The Ministry of Higher Education, under Dr. Mrs. Kachallom Pyam Gang, celebrated major gains in tertiary education. All state-owned institutions secured full accreditation, backed by a ₦2 billion investment. Plateau State University, the Polytechnic, College of Education, and College of Nursing and Midwifery benefited from infrastructure upgrades and new program approvals.
Highlights include 19 new degree programs at the College of Education Gindiri, and the construction of key facilities such as a 150-seat conference center and a new administrative building.
Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs: Reform at the Grassroots
A highlight of the 2025 briefing was the presentation of the scorecard from the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, detailing its strategic efforts under the “Time Is Now” administration.
Under the directive and support of Governor Mutfwang, the Ministry has:
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Aligned all 17 Local Government Councils (LGCs) with the State and National Development Plans.
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Cleared ₦5.6 billion in inherited salary and pension arrears for LGC workers and primary school teachers.
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Facilitated the payment of ₦1 billion in local government staff pension arrears.
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Remodeled and furnished both the Ministry’s headquarters and Pankshin Zonal Office.
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In collaboration with the LGCs, procured 35 Hilux vehicles for security agencies and a Coaster Bus for Plateau State University, Bokkos.
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Supplied supervision vehicles to its zonal offices and facilitated project inspections across the 17 LGCs, leading to several grassroots developmental projects.
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Organized workshops and seminars to upskill staff and distributed assorted fertilizers to rural farmers to boost agricultural output.
The Local Government Service Commission, a key parastatal under the Ministry, processed and approved promotions for 9,530 staff, conducted 43 training programs for 2,343 personnel, and appointed legal officers to all LGCs to ensure sound administrative practice.
Governor Mutfwang also gave priority to the traditional institution, facilitating the long-awaited selection and installation of several royal stools, including the Ngolong Ngas (1st Class), Mwo Ywom (2nd Class), and Long Kwo. The administration also released pending appointment letters for district and village heads withheld by the previous government and has taken steps to fill all remaining vacant stools to ensure peace and harmony at the grassroots.
Agricultural Revival and Livelihood Restoration
Hon. Bugama Samson Ishaku of the Ministry of Agriculture detailed the cultivation of 6,000 hectares in 2023, with plans to scale up to 50,000 hectares in 2024. Mechanized farming, improved seedlings, and successful crop trials in Riyom and Bokkos signal a drive to restore farming livelihoods disrupted by crises.
To combat exploitation by middlemen, the state established Plakon, a commodity off-take company now expanding market access for farmers.
Pioneering Livestock Development
In a historic move, Plateau became the first state in Nigeria to establish a modern livestock village, launched by the Ministry of Livestock Development led by Dr. Sunday Akpa. The ministry also vaccinated 140,000 cattle, 50,000 sheep and goats, and 4.5 million chickens, while opening a new veterinary clinic on Niangulu Road.
Strategic Budgeting and Planning
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshak, introduced the state’s first Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. With over 43 donor-funded projects coordinated and participatory town halls held across senatorial zones, the ministry also ensured public access to the 2025 budget and partnered with UNICEF on nutrition and school feeding.
Improving Water and Energy Access
Hon. Bashir Datti Lawandi, Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, reported notable progress with the passage of the Plateau State Water Users Association Bill—qualifying the state for the SPIN program. Partnerships with Prime Power and the IEA have expanded renewable energy access and mini-grid installations.
Water production surpassed 8 million liters annually, customer connections increased, and over ₦1 billion was spent on treatment chemicals. Revenue rose from ₦68 million to ₦112 million, while rural electrification projects now serve over 89,000 residents.
With the conclusion of the ministerial briefings, the Mutfwang-led administration reaffirmed its commitment to purposeful leadership and accountable governance. The detailed reports underscored a clear direction—transforming Plateau State through reform, transparency, and people-centered impact.