Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang calling for collective and sustained efforts to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The commitment was reiterated during the 2026 Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT) Climate Town Hall held in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where stakeholders from across sectors gathered to discuss strategies for building climate-resilient communities and sustainable urban centres.
The event, themed “Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future,” was organized by the Presidency in collaboration with the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Minerals Development.
Speaking at the town hall, Governor Mutfwang, who was represented by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, described climate action as both a developmental necessity and a moral responsibility, stressing that environmental protection must remain a priority for governments, institutions, communities, and individuals.
The Governor noted that Plateau State occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s environmental landscape, owing to its rich biodiversity, fertile agricultural lands, scenic ecosystems, and temperate climate, which have historically distinguished the state as one of the country’s most environmentally significant regions.
According to him, preserving these natural assets for future generations requires deliberate policies, sustained investments, and active citizen participation.
“For us in Plateau State, environmental sustainability is not merely a policy aspiration; it is a moral obligation.
“Our state is endowed with unique ecological assets, fertile landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a climate that has historically distinguished Plateau as one of Nigeria’s most environmentally significant regions.
“Preserving these natural endowments for future generations remains a responsibility we take seriously,” the Governor stated.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, who represented the state government at the event, said the administration’s environmental agenda has continued to yield tangible results through various intervention programs aimed at restoring degraded lands, protecting watersheds, and strengthening ecosystem management.
She explained that the government’s environmental policies are aligned with broader efforts to address the impacts of climate change, including desertification, soil erosion, flooding, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Ramnap highlighted the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project as one of the flagship initiatives driving environmental restoration and climate adaptation in the state.
According to her, the project has contributed significantly to enhancing community resilience, promoting sustainable land use practices, and supporting livelihoods in vulnerable communities affected by climate-related challenges.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Mutfwang administration is prioritizing strategic investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable transportation systems, and modern waste management solutions as part of a long-term roadmap for sustainable development.
She noted that these interventions are designed not only to mitigate the effects of climate change but also to create economic opportunities, improve public health, and strengthen environmental governance across the state.
The town hall attracted environmental experts, government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders, all of whom deliberated on practical approaches to tackling climate challenges in rapidly urbanizing communities.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on climate action between stakeholders and the presentation of a climate policy document by the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, to the REHCCAT delegation.
Participants described the move as a significant step towards institutionalising climate action and strengthening collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and local communities.
Ramnap commended the Presidency for initiating the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour, describing the program as timely and essential for raising awareness about environmental sustainability and mobilizing citizens to take ownership of climate action.
She assured that the Ministry of Information and Communication would intensify public enlightenment campaigns across the state to deepen awareness, encourage behavioural change, and promote community participation in environmental protection initiatives.
The Commissioner stressed that addressing climate change requires a whole-of-society approach, adding that government alone cannot achieve meaningful results without the support and active involvement of citizens.
As climate concerns continue to dominate global and national discourse, Plateau State says it remains committed to implementing policies and programs that will safeguard its environment, strengthen resilience against climate shocks, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
