Mutfwang Inaugurates Economic Advisory Council to Drive Prosperity in Plateau

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated the State Economic Advisory Council to reposition the state’s economy and transform its natural and human resources into wealth-generating opportunities.  

The governor described the council as a strategic think tank that will provide expert guidance on policy, planning, and investment direction.  

Speaking during the ceremony at the Twin Theatre Hall, Government House in Rayfield, Jos, Mutfwang emphasized that Plateau must rise above its current ranking on Nigeria’s poverty index. 

He noted that while addressing insecurity remains a critical and ongoing priority for his administration, economic development is the next major challenge.  

“I firmly believe that Plateau State should not be ranked among the poorest states in Nigeria. Unfortunately, we are somewhere down that pecking order in the poverty index, and it’s simply because we haven’t harnessed our opportunities,” he said.  

“After dealing with security—which is a continuous assignment—the next challenge is our prosperity.” 

Mutfwang cited untapped agricultural potential, including vast grazing lands previously occupied by bandits, which the government is reclaiming for productive use under the National Livestock Transformation Plan.  

He stressed that the private sector will be central to his administration’s economic strategy.  

“There’s nowhere in Nigeria where you can raise livestock better than on the Plateau. We must shift the paradigm and begin to do things differently,” he said.  

"Our approach to business is PPP—let the private sector drive it. They do it better than we civil servants.”

Expressing confidence in the council’s role, Mutfwang said its recommendations would help Plateau emerge as a major economic force in Northern Nigeria.  

"The economic prosperity of Plateau people now rests on your shoulders,”* he told the members.

Earlier, Mutfwang swore in five newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Victoria Gowon Auditorium. He commended the merit-based selection process and urged the appointees to be firm, fair, and professional in their duties.  

In a separate event, the governor received the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, Zdeněk Krejčí, on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Rayfield.  

The envoy expressed his country’s interest in supporting Plateau in key areas such as technical education, agriculture, and mining, commending the state’s potential for investment and international cooperation.