The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in a strategic move to strengthen government interventions for vulnerable citizens and enhance the State’s capacity to respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies and poverty-related challenges.
The decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Disclosing the Council’s resolutions, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, said the new ministry would provide a dedicated institutional framework for coordinating humanitarian assistance, social protection and poverty-reduction initiatives across the State.
According to her, the ministry is expected to incorporate the activities of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Trauma Centre, thereby creating a more coordinated and efficient approach to humanitarian response and support for vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner noted that the initiative would also strengthen collaboration between the State and Federal Governments on humanitarian and poverty-reduction programmes, while ensuring that interventions reach citizens who need them most.
In another significant decision, the Council approved the renovation of the administrative buildings of the Jos Main Market and the Satellite Market to improve their operational efficiency, functionality and overall management.
The Council also approved the additional procurement and installation of solar-powered streetlights and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, alongside the maintenance of existing streetlights across the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.
Under the approved security and infrastructure programme, a total of 4,029 streetlight infrastructure units will be covered, while 199 CCTV cameras will be procured and installed in two phases to strengthen security, surveillance and public safety within the metropolis.
The interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to building safer, more resilient and better-organised communities, while investing in infrastructure that directly improves the quality of life and economic activities of citizens.
Hon. Ramnap added that the Plateau State Government remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote inclusive development, protect vulnerable citizens, strengthen public safety and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth across the State.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, alongside members of the State Executive Council.
Martha Nyam
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State
August 12, 2026
