Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has announced plans to establish a permanent trade fair and exhibition complex, alongside investments in agro-processing, livestock development, manufacturing and digital innovation, as part of efforts to position the state as a major industrial and commercial hub within the next two to three years.
Mutfwang disclosed this on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while declaring open the 11th Jos National Trade Fair, organised by the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) at the Jos Polo Field, Joseph Gomwalk Road, Jos.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, the governor said his administration was pursuing strategic economic reforms and infrastructure investments to unlock Plateau State’s productive potential, attract private capital and expand opportunities for businesses and residents.
He said the proposed permanent trade fair complex would provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers, investors, entrepreneurs and traders to exhibit products, establish business relationships and facilitate commercial transactions beyond the annual trade fair.
To advance the proposal, Mutfwang directed stakeholders led by Chief Simon Tangni to commence preparations for the next edition of the fair. He also appointed Elder Bulus Daring to chair a committee responsible for identifying suitable locations for the complex, with the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry serving as secretary and Chief S.D. Makama providing advisory support.
“The time for Plateau State to rise and to move forward commercially in trade, investment and innovation, the time is now,” the governor said.
As part of the administration’s industrial development agenda, Mutfwang disclosed that Hill Station Hotel had commenced operations, while efforts were ongoing to revive Plateau Hotel and other dormant industries.
He also announced plans to reconstruct a modern abattoir with the capacity to process up to 500 cattle daily, describing livestock development as an important component of the state’s strategy to expand employment, strengthen food supply and stimulate commercial activities.
The governor further revealed that his recent visit to China had resulted in a memorandum of understanding with Chinese investors for the proposed establishment of an industrial park in Plateau State.
According to him, the investment, alongside improvements in energy supply and the business environment, is expected to support manufacturing, industrial processing and enterprise development.
Agriculture and agro-processing featured prominently in the governor’s address, with plans to revitalise potato production, promote the Plateau Potato brand and establish processing facilities capable of serving domestic and export markets.
Mutfwang said his administration was also working towards establishing cold-chain facilities for potatoes, vegetables and fruits to reduce post-harvest losses, preserve product quality and improve farmers’ access to more profitable markets.
He added that discussions were ongoing with Nigerian Breweries to expand barley production in the state, a move aimed at strengthening linkages between local farmers and industrial manufacturers.
The governor said the initiatives formed part of efforts to move agricultural production beyond the supply of raw commodities towards value addition, processing and wider market access.
On youth employment, Mutfwang disclosed that plans were underway to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre at the former MTN facility in Bukuru, with a proposed recruitment and training programme for 1,800 Plateau youths to provide services to international companies.
He said the initiative would enable young people to access employment opportunities in the global digital economy without necessarily relocating from the state.
“If you are able to work in that space, you can be sitting in Jos, working for an American company, and earning dollars,” he said.
The governor also announced that the state was collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on an innovation centre at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.
He added that ₦1 billion had been provided in the state budget to support research by Plateau indigenes across different institutions, noting that the administration would continue to identify and support innovative ideas and home-grown solutions with economic potential.
Mutfwang said Plateau State had ranked among Nigeria’s top five states in ease of doing business in the preceding year, adding that his administration was working to improve access to land for genuine investors.
He cited the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy as part of efforts to facilitate land access and create a more enabling environment for investment.
The governor maintained that the proposed trade fair complex, industrial park, agro-processing facilities and digital innovation initiatives would complement one another in expanding the state’s economic base and creating opportunities for businesses and residents.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Musa Ashoms, described the theme of the 11th Jos National Trade Fair, “Harnessing Agriculture and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity,” as timely.
Ashoms said Plateau State possessed agricultural resources, entrepreneurial capacity and a strategic location that could support food production and distribution.
He called for stronger public-private partnerships, improved market access, the adoption of modern technology and increased investment in agro-processing to translate the state’s productive resources into employment, food security and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the 2026 Trade Fair Committee, Chief Simon Tangni, commended the governor for attending the opening ceremony despite his demanding schedule.
Tangni said the fair was designed to align with the administration’s priorities in commerce, agriculture, livestock production, investment and entrepreneurship.
He disclosed that exhibitors and partners had participated from different parts of Nigeria, including Lagos and Calabar, as well as from Sudan and Senegal, noting that the diversity of participants reflected business interest in Plateau State.
The 11th Jos National Trade Fair provides a platform for businesses, manufacturers, farmers, entrepreneurs and public institutions to showcase products, explore partnerships and identify opportunities for investment and market expansion.
