Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has rolled out a comprehensive performance scorecard to mark his administration’s two years in office, spotlighting extensive reforms and life-changing projects across key sectors including infrastructure, transport, agriculture, education, healthcare, and security in Plateau State.
Elected in 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mutfwang came into office amid economic hardship, insecurity, and a disillusioned civil service. Despite post-election legal battles, the governor quickly got to work, executing a people-centered development agenda that earned him national recognition, including The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2024 award.
In a detailed account of his administration’s progress, Mutfwang said his government had successfully addressed critical challenges inherited from previous administrations, including a N400 billion debt burden, five months of unpaid salaries, and deteriorated infrastructure.
On security, the state government revived Operation Rainbow, retrained over 600 operatives, and launched a toll-free emergency line to respond swiftly to threats. A new Plateau Special Activities Centre, equipped with surveillance technology, was established to monitor security across the 17 local government areas. Governor Mutfwang also engaged federal security agencies and redeployed security forces to volatile areas like Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa.
Efforts to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were also scaled up, including visits to camps, relief interventions in partnership with NEMA, and the formation of a resettlement committee whose report is now being implemented.
On workers’ welfare, the administration has consistently paid salaries and pensions since assuming office. It also cleared decades-old gratuities and pension arrears, increased pensions by 100 percent, and approved hazard allowances for healthcare workers. Overdue staff promotions have been implemented to boost civil service morale.
In the transport sector, the state introduced the Tin City Metro service, now operating 30 high-capacity buses that transport over 9,000 commuters daily. The service has reduced transportation costs, created jobs, and expanded to new routes. The state also refurbished 15 long-distance buses, acquired 20 Toyota Sienna vehicles for the Jos–Abuja corridor, and improved air connectivity through a partnership with ValueJet Airlines. Rail service from Jos to Kuru has also been revived in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
In agriculture, the administration reclaimed over 900 hectares of land for displaced farmers, distributed ₦16 billion worth of inputs, and launched livestock and agro-processing initiatives. Collaborations with international partners, including IITA and the African Development Bank, have enhanced the state’s capacity for sustainable food production. Mechanized farming is being promoted through the procurement of 20 tractors and plans for agricultural processing zones.
On infrastructure, the government completed or began construction on more than 3,000 kilometers of roads across urban and rural areas. Projects abandoned since 2013 were revived, while others were initiated under various ministries and donor-backed programs like RAAMP and NG-CARES. Major bridges, flyovers, and intercity roads are also underway.
Healthcare has seen a substantial upgrade with the transformation of the Plateau Specialist Hospital and the recruitment of medical consultants. General hospitals have received new equipment, and over 9,000 vulnerable citizens now benefit from health insurance coverage under the Mutfwang Care initiative. Enrolment in the Plateau Contributory Health Insurance Scheme has more than doubled in two years.
Education reforms include a 50 percent tuition reduction for Plateau indigenes in state-owned institutions, massive scholarship funding, and infrastructure rehabilitation in 148 classroom blocks across all LGAs. Illegal schools are being shut down, and partnerships have been established with international universities to strengthen higher education.
In water supply, major projects are ongoing in Langtang North, Mangu, Wase, and Jos South LGAs, alongside the construction of solar-powered boreholes and sanitation infrastructure. The state also signed agreements to expand mini-grid electricity to underserved communities and is investing in renewable energy with the support of global development partners.
The Ministry of Justice has passed critical laws, expanded legal aid access, resolved hundreds of petitions, and liquidated over ₦4.8 billion in judgment debts. Mediation centers and gender-focused legal reforms are also being institutionalized.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women Affairs has trained hundreds of women and girls, established gender courts, and repatriated trafficked children. Awareness campaigns, skills empowerment, and humanitarian outreach have been intensified.
The Jos Master Plan has been revived, with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board enforcing urban renewal through GIS technology and improved city planning. The reconstruction of the Jos Main Market and development of a new market at Mararaban Jama’a are in progress.
Tourism and hospitality have been rebranded, with the Jos Wildlife Park undergoing significant rehabilitation. The Plateau Cultural Troupe was named the most outstanding in the country, and the state has hosted a series of cultural and creative events including the Jos Family Christmas Festival and Experience Plateau in Abuja.
Governor Mutfwang described the reforms as a “solid foundation for the Plateau of our dreams,” assuring citizens that the next phase of his administration will focus on economic expansion, job creation, and peacebuilding.
“Plateau is rising again,” the governor declared. “And by the grace of God, we shall all rise with it.”