As part of preparations for implementing the New Greater Jos Master Plan, the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development organized a two-day sensitization and capacity-building seminar for stakeholders.

The seminar, held on January 30 and 31, 2025, at Centre La’Sharp, was themed “Challenges of Preparation and Implementation of Physical Master Plan in Plateau State.” It brought together dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Samson Ishaku Bugama), the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan (represented by Hon. Abel Nansak, Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development), members of the State Executive Council, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and representatives of the tricycle (Keke) association, energy providers, and religious groups.

Governor Mutfwang, represented by Samson Ishaku Bugama, declared the seminar open and emphasized the government’s commitment to urban development.

“Looking at developed countries like China, the level at which their cities have become smart is mind-blowing. Plateau State has too many urban slums, and the governor is determined to change that. This program aims to sensitize stakeholders, build their capacity for action during the implementation process, foster collaboration, and introduce modern planning techniques and methodologies,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Laven Ubandoma Joshua, reiterated the governor’s vision for a sustainable master plan that would drive lasting development across all sectors.

“This sensitization seminar ensures that various stakeholders are carried along, and the public is adequately enlightened on the need to align with these sustainable development strides right from inception,” he stated.

He further highlighted the importance of the master plan in ensuring efficient land use, improved infrastructure and services, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage. He assured participants that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would lead the plan’s implementation through inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and technology-driven efficiency.

“We urge all participants to actively engage in the discussions, exchange ideas, learn from experts, and commit to implementing the recommendations that will emerge from this seminar,” he added.

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, represented by Hon. Abel Nansak, assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s full support for the project.

“We believe that the outcomes of this engagement will bring forth solutions to the challenges facing the master plan. The House of Assembly is ready to support this initiative using its legislative powers,” he said.

He also urged participants to be fully committed to the process, adding that deliberations should be properly channeled to the appropriate authorities for implementation.

Guest speaker Barnabas Atiyaye, in his presentation on “Introduction to the Physical Master Planning Process,” emphasized that any plan lacking stakeholder involvement is ineffective.

“Direct and indirect stakeholders must be identified, considered, and involved from the beginning. Best practices from cities like Singapore, Dubai, and Abuja show that proper planning is the foundation of sustainable development,” he said.

Atiyaye outlined key components of a successful master plan, including visionary leadership, data-driven decision-making, phased implementation, and public engagement. He stressed that the plan should be sustained beyond the current administration and implemented by qualified professionals.

Similarly, Prof. Laraba Rikko, MNTTP, speaking on the key principles of physical planning, highlighted its role in economic development, infrastructure provision, and urban order.

“Planners must anticipate future needs, including population growth, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces. A good master plan must ensure resource sustainability, social and cultural sensitivity, strong policy frameworks, and proper funding,” she explained.

She identified corruption, poor data management, weak legal frameworks, and limited capacity as challenges that need to be addressed for effective implementation.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Bassa Local Government, Hon. Joshua Sunday Riti, commended the government’s vision and called for its extension to neighboring communities to help curb insecurity.

“The integration of security technology, including surveillance cameras and strategic security deployments, should be embedded in the master plan,” he urged.

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai, noted that previous master plans were not legally backed, which hindered their implementation.

“Plateau State never had a Greater Jos Master Plan because the previous one was not passed into law. We urge the State House of Assembly to drive the legal process for this plan. There must also be synergy between the Ministry of Lands and urban planners to ensure smooth execution,” he said.

Speaking on the roles of stakeholders in planning, preparation, and implementation, Prof. Dung Gwom, MNITP, outlined the responsibilities of key actors.

“The Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is responsible for policy formulation, infrastructure development, urban planning, and the enforcement of planning laws. The state government plays a crucial role in legislation, funding, and institutional support,” he explained.

He emphasized that local communities must adhere to zoning regulations and actively participate in planning discussions, while the private sector should invest in housing and infrastructure in line with the plan. Civil society organizations were urged to monitor implementation, promote transparency, and support sustainable development initiatives.

By working together, he concluded, stakeholders can ensure that the New Greater Jos Master Plan leads to structured urban growth and improved living conditions.

Other thought-provoking presentations included:

• Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships in the Implementation of the Master Plan and Its Provisions – Prof. Mustapha Zubairu
• Stakeholder Collaboration in the Preparation and Implementation of Master Plans – Prof. Samuel Wapwera
• Challenges in the Implementation of Physical Master Plans – Istifanus Kassem George

The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, where stakeholders shared their concerns and identified potential challenges and gray areas.

At the close of the two-day seminar, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Laven Ubandoma Joshua, emphasized that the new Greater Jos Master Plan will span 20 years.

“With the old master plan ending this year, the new master plan—already in motion since 2024—will last for 20 years and cover Jos North, Bukuru, Riyom, Bassa, and Barkin Ladi. So far, the resource persons have done an excellent job sensitizing stakeholders on their roles and expectations regarding the Greater Jos Master Plan. Issues, challenges, and areas for improvement have been identified, which will help us avoid the lapses of the previous master plan while enhancing it.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Yop Rwang, Esq., stated that the ministry is currently working on developing its own policies to ensure that proper standards are established for the implementation of the master plan.

A communiqué summarizing the key takeaways from the seminar was presented by Rwang Bot Yakubu. Some of the major points for stakeholders included:

1. Visible master plans are prerequisites for sustainable urban growth and development.
2. The passage of the master plan into law is crucial—without legal backing, there is no plan.
3. Town planners’ roles should not be handed over to non-planners.
4. All ministries and departments should establish physical planning units to ensure proper implementation.
5. There is a need for synergy and cooperation among stakeholders.
6. Government acquisition of land is essential for urban planning.
7. Housing and urban development policies should be created for the state.
8. The government must prioritize data collection to support modern technologies needed for smart cities.
9. A regional plan should serve as a blueprint for all sectors of the Plateau State economy.
10. Investment in data acquisition for planning purposes is necessary.
11. The state must acquire digital maps to integrate them into the master plan effectively.
12. The Law Reforms Committee should expedite its review of laws related to master plan preparation and implementation.
13. The issue of street naming and house numbering must be deliberately addressed for proper identification.
14. Green areas and organized open spaces should be protected and retained.
15. The government must prioritize the recruitment of town planners and deploy them across all local government areas.
16. Strict adherence to the standards set in the new Greater Jos Master Plan is essential.