In response to recent lawful changes in the local government administration, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has appealed for calm among the state’s peace-loving citizens.
The governor, through a press statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, called on the people to remain composed and resist any provocation, emphasizing that the government’s actions are aimed at revitalizing the local government system for significant grassroots development.
Governor Mutfwang implored the residents of Plateau State not to engage in any unlawful activities that could jeopardize peace and security within the region. He stressed that maintaining the security of lives and property is the utmost priority of his administration, as it serves as the foundation for overall progress and advancement.
Recognizing the importance of collective efforts in building a united and secure Plateau, the governor assured the public that his government is working tirelessly to address the ongoing challenges at the local government level. By doing so, the administration aims to create an environment conducive to inclusive growth and development throughout the state.
The recent changes in the local government administration have sparked concerns among some citizens. However, Governor Mutfwang’s appeal for calm underscores his commitment to ensuring that the process is carried out lawfully and with the best interests of the community in mind. The governor’s reassurance seeks to quell any anxieties and foster a sense of unity among the people.
The press statement, signed by Gyang Bere, serves as an official declaration of the governor’s stance on the matter. It highlights the government’s dedication to transparency and open communication, aiming to keep the public informed about the ongoing developments.
As Plateau State navigates these changes, the governor’s call for calm and cooperation will play a vital role in maintaining peace and security within the region. With a united effort and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the state’s residents, Governor Mutfwang aims to establish a robust and effective local government system that will contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of Plateau State.
The Federal Government plans to deploy innovative construction technologies through a proposed partnership with Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited to accelerate affordable housing delivery and reduce reliance on traditional building methods.
The collaboration, led by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is focused on integrating modern building technologies, promoting sustainable construction practices, and strengthening local manufacturing of building materials.
At the centre of the proposed partnership is SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology, a prefabrication-based construction system designed to support faster building timelines and improved durability.
With Nigeria’s real estate sector valued at over ₦58 trillion and the construction sector contributing more than ₦19 trillion to GDP, the government says technology adoption is critical to addressing the country’s housing deficit.
Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, says the government is prioritising technology-driven solutions to improve housing affordability.
“We want a situation where the average Nigerian worker can achieve home ownership with his salary within the period of his service. That is why we are particularly interested in innovation and technology that can make housing more affordable,” he says.
The Minister also highlights the importance of construction speed in addressing housing supply challenges.
“If you are given land to deliver one hundred houses, how many days will it take you to complete them? These are important questions because speed in construction is critical in addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria,” he adds.
As part of its housing strategy, the Federal Government is planning to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the country to support local production and reduce construction costs.
According to the Minister, companies that demonstrate scalable solutions could be integrated into the hubs.
“If you are able to deliver these products effectively, your factory could become part of the materials manufacturing hubs we are promoting to support mass housing construction in the country,” he says.
The government is also exploring Public–Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks to integrate technology providers, developers, and financiers into housing delivery.
Under the proposed arrangement, the government may provide land, while private sector partners supply construction technology, machinery, and financing.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is expected to play a role by purchasing completed housing units and recovering costs through mortgage schemes.
“Under such arrangements, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) can purchase completed houses on behalf of beneficiaries and pay developers upfront while recovering the costs gradually through mortgage schemes,” Dangiwa says.
According to Sinoma, SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology uses dry construction methods and is designed to provide resistance to moisture, fire, termites, and harsh weather conditions.
Zhang Hui, Chairman of the company, says the technology can support mass housing delivery in Nigeria.
“Housing development should not only be seen as a social necessity but also as a key economic driver capable of creating jobs, strengthening industries, and stimulating national development,” he says. “Our technology can significantly enhance the delivery of mass housing projects across Nigeria.”
The company also indicates plans to establish local manufacturing facilities and support the development of a domestic building materials ecosystem.
Industry data shows that about 70% of building materials used in Nigeria are imported, exposing the construction sector to exchange rate volatility and supply chain disruptions.
Rising costs of materials such as cement and steel have continued to impact project delivery and housing supply across the country.
The Federal Government says the proposed partnership forms part of broader efforts to integrate technology into housing delivery and improve access to affordable housing in Nigeria.
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The healthcare system in Plateau State is on the verge of a total collapse as medical doctors across the state have issued a final 7-day ultimatum to the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration.
The joint action comes from the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD). In separate letters dated April 20, 2026, the unions warned that they will be “compelled to withdraw their services” by Monday, April 27, 2026, if their demands for salary adjustments are not met.
At the heart of the crisis is the non-implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). While the National Salaries and Wages Commission released a corrected structure and revised allowances for 2025-2026, the Plateau State Government has allegedly failed to reflect these changes in the doctors’ paychecks.
The NAGGMDP Chairman, Dr. Luka Waden, expressed deep frustration in a letter to the Governor, noting that despite “constructive dialogue,” there has been no concrete action from the state.
The associations are demanding: 100% implementation of the corrected CONMESS salary structure, full payment of all revised allowances entitled to members and immediate implementation of CONMESS 7 to ensure equity across the medical workforce.
The ARD President at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Elizabeth Kassem Azi, revealed that the current tension comes from a broken commitment. According to Dr. Azi, Governor Mutfwang had personally promised to bridge the remuneration gap during a meeting with the national medical body in January 2026.
Despite this high-level assurance, the doctors say they have seen no progress in over four months. “This inaction has led to the exit of doctors from the state and the shrinking of an initially strained workforce,” Dr. Azi stated, highlighting a growing “brain drain” as medics leave Plateau for better-paying states or federal institutions.
As at the time of filling this report, the association says the clock is running out for the Plateau State Ministry of Health. The ultimatum expires at midnight on Sunday, April 26, and if the government fails to provide a “concrete timeline” for payment before Monday morning, all state-owned hospitals, including the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, will see a total withdrawal of medical services.
For residents of Plateau State, this means a looming period of uncertainty for emergency care and routine medical services unless the government acts swiftly to avert the strike.
News16 hours ago
