Governor Mutfwang, performing the foundation laying of the workers Housing Scheme
Side view of the JMDB Utra Modern Market Commissioned by the Governor at Bukuru Jos South LGA
GOVERNOR Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has flagged off the construction of a 400-unit housing estate for civil servants, stressing that “Housing is a right, not a privilege.”
The governor performed the flag-off at Zanwra Nkie Whie, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area, describing the project as a major milestone in his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and sustainable development.
According to him, the project formed part of a broader 2,000-unit housing scheme being implemented across the state.
“Today, we are not merely laying foundation stones; we are laying the foundation of hope, dignity, and stability for our hardworking and dedicated workforce,” Mutfwang declared.
He explained that the initiative was a deliberate social and welfare strategy to prioritise the wellbeing of civil servants, whom he described as “the true and reliable pillars of good governance.”
Highlighting reforms already undertaken to restore workers’ pride and morale, he said: “When we came into office, we restored trust, renewed dignity, and repositioned our civil servants as a model of excellence. We cleared months of accumulated salary arrears and restored regular, timely salary payments. We settled decades-old pension and gratuity backlogs, some dating as far back as 1986, and began paying death benefits to families who had long given up hope. We increased pensions by up to 100%, raising the minimum pension from N5,000 to N20,000. We approved the new N70,000 minimum wage for Plateau State civil servants. By the grace of God, and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we have made remarkable progress in this direction.”
He further disclosed that the government acquired 38.299 hectares of land at Zanwra at a total cost of N346,542,000, fully paid to ensure smooth execution of the project.
“Housing is not a privilege. It is a right. A decent home provides comfort, security, and a stable foundation for a dignified life,” he affirmed.
Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Eugene Manji, commended the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind wholly dedicated to Plateau workers.
“We have already engaged the developers, who are eager to commence work. Within one to two months, by the time you return here, we will be ready to commission the third phase of the project,” Manji assured.
Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, said allocation of the houses would be done through a transparent process based on years of service, income brackets and contributions to the National Housing Fund.
On behalf of the developers, Engineer Christopher Nathaniel of DSK Group of Companies pledged that every unit would meet the highest standards of design and durability, with solar power, reliable electricity, clean boreholes and eco-friendly infrastructure.
He added that the estate would include schools, clinics, community centres and recreational spaces, creating more than 3,000 jobs and boosting the state’s construction supply chain.
TUC Chairman, Kenneth Shamma, appealed for rehabilitation of the road linking the estate, while the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Ronku Aka, hailed the governor’s developmental strides and called for stronger labour-government synergy.
…. Inaugurates ICT JTWG
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
At the inauguration held at the Twin Theatre of the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, he described the partnership as a turning point that would benefit the people, particularly the youth.
“ICT has been a long-standing priority for us, but with this collaboration, we can now anticipate concrete milestones that will fast-track e-governance, e-commerce, and other ICT-driven opportunities in Plateau State,” Mutfwang noted.
He commended DBI’s President, Mr. David Daser, for facilitating the Institute’s Jos campus and appreciated the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy forsupporting the initiative.
“We are eager to see progress within the shortest possible time. Whatever we need to do as a government to make this succeed, we shall do, by the grace of God,” he affirmed.
Those inaugurated into the JTWG included Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk; Commissioner for Finance, Grace Shwarta Dongkum; Director General of PICTDA, Mr. Dominic Datong; and Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnership, Strategic Linkages, and Diaspora Engagement, Mr. Manji Wilson.
In his remarks, Mr. Daser disclosed that DBI was restructuring into a national digital institute with a statutory mandate, positioning Plateau as a key beneficiary of future donor funding.
He pointed out that DBI’s presence would unlock scholarships, advanced training and outsourcing opportunities for Plateau’s youth.
He urged the Plateau State House of Assembly to expedite passage of the Nigerian Startup Act to open up more funding channels.
Arc. Jatau, speaking on behalf of the JTWG, pledged: “We will do our best to ensure that within the shortest possible time, this partnership becomes a reality.”
International IDEA team visits
Governor Mutfwang also received a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), supported by the European Union.
The delegation, led by Dr. Emmanuel Uche, briefed the governor on progress recorded under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme in Plateau State.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to institutional reforms, Mutfwang said: “We believe in building strong institutions and capacities so that our successes today can be sustained beyond our administration. We are determined to do the right things at the right time, guided by transparency and accountability.”
Dr. Uche commended Plateau for its reform-minded approach and outlined RoLAC’s three pillars: strengthening criminal justice administration, improving access to justice for vulnerable groups and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
He praised Plateau’s progress in criminal justice and access to justice while noting that solid foundations were being laid for stronger anti-corruption framework.