In two years, we have positively impacted our people – Mutfwang

…Says, we won’t allow insecurity define Plateau

It was a carnival of sorts in Jos on Thursday, June 12, 2025 as Governor Caleb Mutfwang moved with joy to commission a number of completed projects to mark his second-year anniversary in office.

Besieged by a joyous crowd as he moved from one project to another, the governor said that his motivation for putting in more efforts was the fulfilment that the projects bring to the people.

The governor reminded the people of his campaign promises, and that despite the daunting challenges his administration met on assumption of office, the story has been that of success.

According to him, from the first day in office, he faced daunting realities, including insecurity, economic hardship, and a demoralised civil service.

He told the crowd that he confronted and continues to confront the challenges with a clear vision and unwavering resolve.

He dismissed the narrative that Plateau State was a no-go area as a result of the activities of some individuals and the disturbances in the state in recent times.

He assured the people of Plateau State that the government would not allow insecurity to define the state. The governor said that despite the recent crises, Plateau State has remained a choice destination.

“Let me shock you; there is an upsurge in people coming into the state. A lot of people going to the North East stop over here. Jos is like a transit city. Hotels in Jos are being overbooked to the point that there are no spaces these days. We will continue to let people know that Plateau State cannot be defined by insecurity. There are lots of good and positive things going on here beyond insecurity,” he said.

Recalling the take off point

Like a hot soup that demands “slow leaking,” the governor said that he went to work—”step by step, reform by reform, project by project, setting Plateau State on the path of recovery and renewal.”

According to him, “In just two years, the results are evident. Salaries that once came late now arrive promptly. Infrastructure once abandoned is being revived. Roads are being constructed, schools rehabilitated, hospitals upgraded, and clean water supplied to communities long neglected. Declaring 2025 as the Year of Infrastructure was not mere symbolism, it was a statement of intent, backed by action.

“Even in the face of adversity, such as the tragic attacks on communities in Bokkos and Bassa, we remained unshaken in our commitment to rebuilding Plateau and restoring dignity to our people. We are grateful to God that our efforts are being recognized by many, including the media, which is a testament to the impact of our people-centered governance.”

Governor Mutfwang said that his administration is today telling a story of a Plateau that is “rising, rebuilding, and reaching for greater heights.”

Addressing security concerns in rural communities

The governor said that the security of lives and property is a top priority for his administration in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He however, pointed out that security remained one of the most daunting challenges his administration inherited upon assumption of office.

“Even before our inauguration, as governor-elect, terrorists launched deadly attacks on Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas, resulting in significant loss of lives.

“This prompted our immediate visit—just four days after my swearing-in—to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Riyom, Mangu, and Bokkos. My presence reassured the traumatized women and children, some of whom had lived in neglect for years, restoring hope and affirming my administration’s commitment to alleviating their suffering.

“The tragic massacre in Mangu LGA on May 15, 2023—where over 100 lives were lost—remains fresh in the minds of Plateau citizens and Nigerians at large. Given that the attack occurred in my home locality, some observers believe it was a calculated attempt to intimidate me and influence my approach to tackling insecurity in the state.”

The governor said that he firmly believes that acknowledging the root causes of a problem is the first step toward finding sustainable solutions. In that spirit, he said he engaged directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who responded positively and pledged the Federal Government’s support.

Pursuing a proactive path, the governor visited the national security chiefs, including the Defense and Army Headquarters in Abuja on July 12, 2023, followed by visits to other relevant agencies. These engagements, he noted, led to strong commitments to intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.

He also recalled that a significant outcome was the strategic redeployment of the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Armoured Division—who also doubles as Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH)—to Mangu LGA in response to the attacks. The presence of additional security forces was also beefed up in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa Local Government Areas.

Reviving ‘Operation Rainbow’

As part of the pro-active measures to strengthen the state’s internal security architecture, Governor Mutfwang said he reactivated ‘Operation Rainbow’—a dormant state-owned security outfit officially recognised and licensed by the Federal Government.

“This revitalised agency has undergone restructuring, with over 600 personnel retrained in collaboration with national security agencies,” he said.

These operatives, who were drawn from all local government areas, are now more responsive and better equipped to tackle grassroots security issues. Their core mandate, he said, included intelligence gathering and the relay of early warning signals to national security forces for timely intervention.

To further boost community engagement, the governor informed that his administration launched the State Security and Information Centre, featuring a toll-free line through which citizens can report threats or suspicious activities. This allows for swift, coordinated responses to emerging security challenges in rural communities.

“In addition, we procured and distributed essential equipment to security agencies. More than 100 motorcycles, raincoats, and rain boots were provided to all security personnel across the state. The State Government through the Local Government Areas purchased 17 new brand Hilux as operational vehicles to ‘Operation Rainbow’. It is worthy to note also that our government repaired about 250 broken down operational vehicles for all security agencies operating in the state to facilitate swift and prompt response to distress calls,” he recalled.

The governor also said that the state government, in an effort to enhance intensive surveillance and track movement in and out of the 17 LGA, has built and equipped with modern technology, a Plateau Special Activities Centre to enhance security of lives and property across the state.

It was also gathered that the Special Activities Centre, headed by Gen. Gagji Shipi (rtd), Security Adviser to the Governor and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, works closely with heads of security agencies to sustain the peace previously enjoyed before the resurgence of attacks on mourners in Ruwi on the 27 March, 2025 and Hurti, Daffo, Manguna on the 5 April, 2025 all in Bokkos LGA while Zike in Kimapa, Bassa LGA was invaded on the 14 April, 2025 leaving several casualties behind.

Plateau, not just about insecurity

Governor Mutfwang said that his administration has touched many areas that impact the lives of his people.

He recalled that on assumption of office on May 29, 2023, the Ministry of Transport was in a state of severe deterioration due to years of neglect. The transportation infrastructure across the state—road, air, and rail—had virtually collapsed, contributing significantly to Plateau State’s economic downturn.

Worried by the situation, the government moved to change the narrative to boost the state’s economy and to attract investors to harness its vast potential. The Governor said he quickly implemented a comprehensive transportation revival strategy across multiple domains, touching Air transportation development, rail transportation, water transportation, among others.

He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ValueJet Aviation Limited to develop critical air routes- Abuja-Jos Route and Lagos-Jos Routes.

This agreement has drastically reduced travel time between Jos and major cities; established daily flights on the Lagos-Jos route, and broke the monopoly on ticket pricing, making air travel more affordable.

The administration is currently in discussions with several airline operators to initiate Eastern and South/Southern routes for commuters traveling to and from Jos, which will further integrate Plateau State into the national air transportation network.

On the commitment to enhance the Airport infrastructure to improve safety and emergency response capabilities at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, the administration has donated a fully-equipped ambulance to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), refurbished a state-of-the-art firefighting truck which is now strategically positioned at the airport.

On Rail transportation, said, “We recognised the economic potential of rail transport; so, we brokered a landmark agreement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to rejuvenate the dormant rail transport system. This initiative was strategically timed to mitigate the harsh impact of fuel subsidy removal on residents.

“The revitalised train service connecting Jos terminal to Kuru has been successfully tested and is expected to stimulate economic activity through new investments; strengthen commerce and enhance tourism, create numerous employment opportunities across construction, rail operations, engineering, and customer service sectors, decongest busy roadways, and facilitate easier movement of agricultural produce from villages to the Yakubu Gowon Airport.

“This development serves as a precursor to the planned expansion of rail lines across various regions of the state, which will further enhance the movement of goods and passengers.”

Urban transit modernisation

It was also gathered that the administration has successfully completed the pilot phase of the Public Transport Management System at Hill Station and Plateau Hospital Roundabouts.

“This initiative aims to streamline the transportation network throughout the 17 local government areas, creating a more efficient transit experience for residents,” he said.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative

He informed that the state government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has aligned with federal government energy policies. The Ministry is in advanced discussions with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) to establish a CNG conversion centre at Government Technical and Science College (GTSC) Bukuru as a temporary site. It is also planning to provide land to GreenVille Limited for the establishment of a Mega Station for CNG/LNG that will serve Plateau State and neighboring states in the northeastern region

On water transportation enhancement, the governor said his administration, also, through the Ministry of Transportation, has received a speed boat from the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC). The vessel will be deployed to the River Ibi, facilitating safe and seamless movement of Plateau citizens to and from Wukari, Taraba State.

Read also: Mutfwang’s two years: Transforming Plateau with vision, action, impact

Inter-state transportation enhancement

On the state government’s investments in inter-state transportation, the governor said that there are refurbished 15 buses for long-distance travel, now serving major routes including Jos, Bayelsa, Warri, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Kaduna; acquired 20 Toyota Sienna vehicles with security enhancements for the Jos-Abuja route, commissioned by Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo; refurbished 20 14-seater Toyota Hiace buses equipped with tracking devices and audio surveillance capabilities.

Life-changing projects

Leading his team, including the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Governor Mutfwang, in what he termed “a renewed commitment to ease public transportation, improve road infrastructure, enhance healthcare delivery, and boost education in Plateau State,” commissioned life-changing projects across key sectors to uplift the living standards of the people.

The commissioned projects include Metro Buses 2.0 at the Old Government House, Rayfield; a laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos; the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads at the Utonkon–Abattoir Road; and a one-storey administrative block and refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.

Commissioning the Metro Buses, Governor Mutfwang expressed delight at the progress made by his administration in addressing citizens’ basic needs in line with his campaign promises. He said the introduction of the Metro Buses has subsidized transportation, thereby boosting economic activities across the state.

“Today, we are witnessing the revival of one of Plateau’s legacy institutions. The Plateau Express Service had suffered years of neglect, but under our administration, it is alive again. These Metro buses were not federal gifts or grants. They were bought brand new, not Tokunbo, using Plateau State’s constitutional allocation, managed prudently for the good of our people,” the governor said.

He added that the investment in mass transit directly responds to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governments to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. According to him, the Tin City Metro is one of the most effective mechanisms adopted by his administration to cushion the effects on the people.

“Instead of buying luxury vehicles for ministries and MDAs, we prioritized the people. With these buses, we are bringing the subsidy back to the masses. The applause and dancing I saw when these buses entered the city gave me renewed energy. We are just getting started,” he said.

“With 15 buses launched last year and another 15 this year, the Tin City Metro now transports over 9,000 commuters daily, with plans to scale up to 18,000–20,000 as Phase 2.0 takes full effect. This is not the end, we are planning Tin City Metro 3.0. We are reviving more than transportation; we are restoring Plateau’s pride.”

Governor Mutfwang further emphasized the broader infrastructure revival agenda of his administration, including the resuscitation of the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), Jos International Breweries (JIB), Panyam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel.

He announced that President Tinubu has adopted the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road as one of his four legacy federal projects, and pledged his administration’s commitment to prioritizing development over politics.

In a heartwarming moment, Governor Mutfwang was introduced to Ms. Luka Nambam, Plateau’s first-ever female Metro Bus driver, who is currently undergoing advanced training. He expressed pride in her achievement, recalling that he had sponsored young Plateau youths, including Nambam, for mechanical training years ago.

“We are intentional about reviving the industry of the girl child. It is a joy to see a seed sown long ago bear fruit today. Our women must be equipped to benefit their families and society,” he said.

The project aimed to upgrade slum areas and decongest the city centre by linking the Old Airport Road to the Central Business District. The railway crossing at Utonkon necessitated a 9-span flyover bridge with an underpass and four slip roads to connect adjoining communities.

At Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Governor Mutfwang noted that his administration is working toward upgrading the institution into a University of Science and Technology. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in the pursuit of academic excellence.

“Change is about leadership. With the right leadership in place, transformation is possible. We are determined to improve not only staff quality and curriculum but also the learning environment,” he said.

He also addressed a recent controversy regarding academic staff recruitment, reiterating that only candidates with the required qualifications, such as a minimum of a second-class lower degree, will be considered for teaching positions.

Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Clement Chairman, described the day as a milestone in the institution’s journey toward academic excellence and infrastructural transformation. He noted that the newly completed projects, including the administrative block, J.C. Dariye Hall, twin theatre, and Human Resource Development Centre, reflect the Polytechnic’s commitment to quality education.

Governor Mutfwang also commissioned Dachom Road down to Nanmwa Junction, reaffirming his government’s resolve to ensure equitable development across the state.