Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, says his administration is prioritising agriculture and rural development as part of efforts to rebuild the state’s economy despite ongoing security challenges.
Speaking on the state’s development plans, Mutfwang acknowledged that insecurity has taken a heavy toll on Plateau, with a government fact-finding committee reporting that over 420 communities have been attacked in the last two decades, leaving nearly 12,000 people dead. He noted that most of the violence is driven by armed militias exploiting Plateau’s porous borders with neighbouring states.
To counter this, the governor said his administration is investing heavily in agriculture as a pathway to peace and prosperity. Measures include the revival of farmlands, provision of modern farming technology, expansion of irrigation schemes, and value-chain development to boost food processing, storage and market access.
Mutfwang disclosed that BARC Farms is being revitalised, while livestock development, local feed production, and the construction of a modern abattoir are underway. He also highlighted plans for year-round cultivation of grains and vegetables, supported by irrigation systems, to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall.
On security, the governor announced the recruitment of 1,000 youths into Operation Rainbow, a community-based outfit to provide early warning and rapid response in rural areas. The state has also forwarded the recommendations of its fact-finding committee to the Federal Government and national security agencies for broader action.
Infrastructure development is another priority, with rehabilitation of rural roads across the 17 local government areas, including 380 kilometres under a World Bank-assisted project. Plans are also in place to build a modern central market in Jos and upgrade storage facilities.
Mutfwang added that the state is improving education and youth training, with technical colleges being retooled, scholarships expanded, and tuition for indigenes reduced to encourage participation in agribusiness.
The governor stressed that while insecurity remains a challenge, the ultimate goal is to restore peace, rebuild livelihoods, and reposition Plateau as a hub for agriculture and economic growth.
