Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a resilient, private sector-driven economy, declaring that manufacturing remains central to the state’s industrialisation, job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable development agenda.
The Governor made the declaration during an interactive breakfast meeting with manufacturers, investors, business leaders, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Government House, Jos.
The high-level engagement brought together captains of industry, regulatory agencies, entrepreneurs, and organised private sector stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and investors following recent engagements with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Governor Mutfwang applauded investors for maintaining confidence in Plateau despite previous economic and security challenges, assuring them that his administration is creating an enabling environment through improved infrastructure, enhanced security, business-friendly policies, and strategic partnerships.
He stressed that Plateau’s future prosperity lies in reducing dependence on federal allocations by unlocking the vast potential of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and other productive sectors.
The Governor identified agribusiness as the cornerstone of the state’s industrialisation drive, highlighting investment opportunities across potato production, livestock, coffee, acha, horticulture, dairy, food processing, packaging, logistics, and exports.
He also showcased key initiatives already underway, including the establishment of West Africa’s largest Potato Tissue Culture Laboratory, rehabilitation of tractor fleets, construction of an ultra-modern abattoir, dairy development programmes, and infrastructure investments designed to reduce the cost of doing business and position Plateau as Nigeria’s leading agricultural processing and export hub.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Mohammed Nyalum, described the meeting as a strategic platform for continuous engagement with manufacturers, noting that stronger government-private sector collaboration would accelerate industrial growth, attract investments, promote innovation, and create jobs.
Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, Gombe and Nasarawa Branch, Mr. Ajibola Kayode-Ojo, commended Governor Mutfwang for initiating direct dialogue with manufacturers.
He called for harmonised taxes and levies, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, greater patronage of locally manufactured products, and regular consultations with industry players to boost investor confidence and productivity. He also invited the Governor to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for MAN’s proposed permanent secretariat in Plateau State.
The Governor later toured exhibition stands displaying locally manufactured food products, beverages, cosmetics, household items, and other indigenous products, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting local industries, strengthening MSMEs, promoting local content, and driving sustainable industrial and economic growth across Plateau State.
