Plateau gov asks commissioners to share two-year achievements

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed all 20 Commissioners in the state to present their scorecards to the citizens, showcasing their achievements over the past two years.

Confirming the development to PUNCH Online on Wednesday in Jos, the state capital, the Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, said the move aims to evaluate the performance of his administration and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

“Yes, the governor gave the approval. It is part of the routine of governance. This is so that people (Commissioners) can give their scorecard on what they have been doing since the mandate was given. You can not just be given an opportunity to serve, and you are doing nothing. So, it is a season of saying what we have done so far, and we are going to improve on that going forward,” Ashoms said.

The state Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said the directive is part of Mutfwang’s efforts to assess the progress made in various sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth.

There is no gainsaying that this activity bridges that gap between the government and the people. It serves in terms of providing access to information and promoting the culture of accountability in public service.

“Of course, when we bring together journalists and lay bare details of what the government is doing for the state and the resources being committed to its projects and programmes, we are merely saying you should hold us to account.

“I believe no government working at cross purposes with the people’s interest will be willing to provide such a platform for the scrutiny of its activities. But the Mutfwang-led government is not just any government; it is a government whose agenda is simply a synthesis of the legitimate aspirations of the people of Plateau State.

Whether it is road construction or rehabilitation, re-engineering the transport sector, upgrading of health facilities, revamping agricultural practices or prioritising social welfare. The people have no doubt of being touched in many areas of need. All this has happened in spite of the mindless, unprovoked attacks in some of our communities,” he said.

The Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, who was the first to present his ministry’s scorecard before the people at the ongoing ministerial briefing at the Ministry of Information headquarters in Jos, highlighted key accomplishments of his ministry in the past two years.

According to Jatau, the ministry engaged ValueJet airline to explore the Jos-Abuja-Jos and Lagos-Jos-Lagos routes, reducing travel time and attracting investors and tourists.

He noted that the ministry equally partnered with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to resuscitate train services, with plans to link Jos to other parts of the country, introduced digital automation and mapping of tricycles, enhancing security and revenue collection as well as concluded discussions with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology to establish a CNG conversion centre and mega station in Jos.

“The Ministry is developing a transport policy and master plan to enhance Plateau State’s position as a regional hub for mobility and economic growth.

“We have identified locations for truck terminals, and the ministry is negotiating with landowners for acquisition. The Ministry attended conferences and workshops to improve staff capacity and sponsored staff training programs. The Ministry refurbished long-distance vehicles and commissioned new Toyota Sienna vehicles for the Jos-Abuja route,” Jatau added.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nyalum Salisu, disclosed that his ministry had registered over 1,000 cooperative societies and trained 150 youths, women, and cooperative societies in entrepreneurship and management skills.

Salisu also pointed out that the ministry participated in several trade fairs, showcasing “Made in Plateau” products and mineral resources, and facilitated the return of the Jos National Trade Fair.

He added, “The ministry had improved revenue collection through technology deployment at Kabong satellite market and also made giant strides in other areas, including export development, industrial development.

“The Ministry increased business premise registration by 25% and plans to introduce digital registration and an online trading platform. The Ministry is developing a Green Industrial policy and plans to establish industrial clusters, with new investments such as Benny Byte Flour Mill.

“The Ministry is working on establishing industrial clusters to promote economic growth. We are constructing uniform sheds to resettle traders affected by the recent fire incident at Jos Main Market.”

The commissioner expressed his ministry’s commitment to driving economic growth, fostering industrial development, and promoting a conducive business environment in the state.

The presentation of scorecards by the commissioners showcasing the performances of their various ministries in the past two years will last for three days.