Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment in the state to foster economic growth.
Mutfwang stated this while addressing stakeholders at the Business Community Dialogue/Dinner held at the Banquet Hall, New Government House, Rayfield.
The Governor commended and appreciated the resilience and contributions of the business community geared toward improving the economy of the state despite numerous challenges.
He outlined strategies to boost key sectors like agriculture, energy, and transportation Plans include expanding commodity markets, promoting innovative farming techniques, and encouraging agro-processing to position Plateau as a national and global food hub.
He emphasized the importance of unlocking arable land, improving storage facilities, and developing crop-specific champions to maximize agricultural output.
On energy, the governor announced ongoing reforms, including upgrading infrastructure, developing mini-grids, and revitalizing NESCO to provide stable and sustainable power for businesses. Transportation initiatives include subsidized services and rural road construction under the RAM initiative to improve market access.
Governor Mutfwang also stressed the need for public-private collaboration, local content promotion, and restructured tax systems to increase internally generated revenue.
He reaffirmed his vision for a self-reliant Plateau State, urging stakeholders to remain committed to partnerships that will overcome challenges and build a resilient economy.
In his submission during the panel discussion, Attorney-General (AG) of Plateau State, Phelimon Dafi said in order to have the necessary framework for a viable business environment, three laws were passed in a record 90 days.
He said the first is the Reform Commission Establishment Law.
The AG explained that this law became necessary taking into account that the laws of the state are obsolete stressing that the Reform Commission Establishment Law will structure institutions that will drive businesses and development in a civilized manner.
He said the Reform Commission Establishment Law is in place in addition to the Law Reform Committee working in synergy to reform all the laws of Plateau State to bring it to civilization.
The second law according to Dafi is the Electricity Market Law. “There is also the Energy Corporation Law in place which establishes the regulatory body of the electricity market”.
The third is Plateau State Citizens Mediation Centre Law which the AG said sought to address issues pertaining to businesses and citizens through negotiations and agreements rather than through the courts.
Dafi added that four more laws were in the offing and that it would not be long before they were passed
The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arch.. Sam Jatau presented the state’s economic outlook, saying, it was a ₦2.4 trillion GDP driven by agriculture, trade, tourism, and MSMEs, employing over 70% of the workforce.
He stated that despite growth constraints, the state government had introduced reforms, including digitalization of services, infrastructure investments, and financial support for small businesses.
MultiChoice, Kefiano Motors, and Hamtul Printing Press, among other business stakeholders, identified key challenges such as unstable electricity, multiple taxation, and low government patronage.
Mr. Akin Omoare of GIZ provided insights into creating a more profitable business environment, emphasizing innovation and collaboration.
Earlier in his welcome address, MD/CEO of PIPC Ltd, Danlami Jelka emphasized the need for government-business collaboration to address challenges, implement sustainable reforms, and promote inclusive growth.
The event featured a robust panel discussion with representatives from key government agencies, including the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, PLASMIDA, and JMDB, who shared achievements and future plans to bolster business growth.
Stakeholders were unanimous in calling for sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector in order for Plateau State to achieve economic transformation.
