In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the Plateau State Government recently concluded its series of ministerial press briefings. Various ministries presented detailed accounts of their accomplishments over the past year. The event, held at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, underscored the administration’s commitment to purposeful leadership and development across key sectors.
Led by Hon. Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta, the Ministry of Finance highlighted major milestones achieved since 2023, including the clearance of over ₦14 billion in backlog payments such as salaries, pensions, and third-party deductions. A rigorous payroll verification process also saved the state approximately ₦500 million, contributing to more efficient government spending and improved fiscal discipline.
To strengthen tertiary education, the government released ₦2 billion to secure course accreditations for institutions across the state. Additionally, health workers received a 75% hazard allowance, and the new national minimum wage was promptly implemented. In response to the removal of fuel subsidies, the state disbursed ₦12,000 monthly palliatives to workers, pensioners, and appointees, totalling ₦1.6 billion, to ease economic pressures.
Pensions were also boosted, with the minimum amount raised from ₦5,188 to ₦20,000, while street cleaners saw their monthly pay increase to ₦16,000.
Hon. Shwarta emphasised the administration’s efforts to collaborate with pension firms and stakeholders to clear all outstanding obligations, noting that many previously signed projects had stalled due to unpaid counterpart funding when the current government took office.
Transforming Education and Agriculture
Under the leadership of Dr. Mrs. Kachallom Pyam Gang, the Ministry of Higher Education secured full accreditation for all tertiary institutions in the state—a move supported by Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Over ₦1.5 billion was invested in upgrading infrastructure and academic standards at Plateau State University, the Polytechnic, College of Education, and College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Notable achievements include the approval of 19 new degree programs at the College of Education, Gindiri, and the construction of a 150-capacity conference centre at Plateau State University and a two-story administrative building at the Polytechnic. The ministry also renovated the Polytechnic clinic into a modern medical centre serving staff, students, and the surrounding community.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Hon. Bugama Samson Ishaku, cultivated 6,000 hectares of farmland in 2023 and aims to expand this to 50,000 hectares in 2024 to restore livelihoods affected by previous crises. With support from ASTC and other partners, the state introduced mechanised farming, improved seedlings for maize and potatoes, and successfully tested wheat and barley cultivation in Riyom and Bokkos.
To empower farmers and reduce exploitation by middlemen, the state launched Plakon, a commodity company. According to Hon. Ishaku, “Plakon began lopping up last year,” and this year, the focus is on setting up stalls for direct off-taking during harvest season.
Advancing Livestock Development and Infrastructure
Dr. Sunday Akpa, Commissioner for Livestock Development, announced the launch of Nigeria’s first modern livestock village, a flagship project backed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry also vaccinated over 140,000 cattle, 50,000 sheep and goats, and 4.5 million local chickens. A new veterinary clinic was established along Niangulu Road to enhance animal healthcare services.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshak, developed Plateau’s first Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, aligning state policies with national economic goals. It also coordinated over 43 donor-funded initiatives, organised town hall meetings across all three senatorial districts, published the 2025 budget online, and partnered with UNICEF and HELLO International on nutrition and school feeding programs.
Water and Energy Sector Reforms
Hon. Bashir Datti Lawandi, Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, celebrated the passage of the Plateau State Water Users Association Bill, which enabled the state’s participation in the Sustainable Performance for Improved WASH in Nigeria (SPIN) program. The ministry also forged partnerships with Prime Power and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to scale renewable energy and mini-grid systems.
Annual water production increased to over 8 million litres, customer connections expanded, and water quality testing improved significantly. More than ₦1 billion was allocated to water treatment chemicals, and 140 new personnel were recruited to strengthen operations. Revenue collection rose from ₦68 million to ₦112 million, while solar-grid projects have positively impacted the lives of nearly 89,000 rural residents.
With these comprehensive reports, the Mutfwang-led administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to openness, performance, and inclusive growth. The ministerial briefings spotlighted tangible progress and set a precedent for transparent governance, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Plateau citizens.
