Isiyaku Ahmed
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has unveiled plans to transform the state into a major industrial processing and commercial hub in Nigeria within the next two to three years.
He said the plan would focus on agriculture, livestock development, tourism, innovation and youth employment, alongside strategic economic reforms and infrastructure investments.
Mutfwang disclosed this on Wednesday while declaring open the 11th Jos National Trade Fair, organized by the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) at the Jos Polo Field, Jos.
He said his administration was committed to unlocking the state’s economic potential by attracting private investments, revitalising dormant industries and expanding opportunities for businesses and residents.
The governor announced plans to establish a permanent trade fair and exhibition complex to provide a platform for manufacturers, investors, entrepreneurs and traders to showcase their products, build business relationships and facilitate commercial transactions throughout the year.
He directed the stakeholders led by Chief Simon Tangni to begin preparations for the next edition of the trade fair.
Mutfwang also appointed Elder Mulus Daring to chair a committee to identify suitable locations for the proposed complex, with the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry serving as secretary. Elder statesman Chief S.D. Makama will advise the committee.
“The time for Plateau State to rise and to move forward commercially in trade, investment and innovation, the time is now,” he said.
On industrial development, the governor 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 capable of processing up to 500 cattle daily to strengthen the livestock economy, improve food supply and create employment opportunities.
The Governor further revealed that his recent visit to China had resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese investors for the development of an industrial park in Plateau State.
He expressed optimism that the proposed industrial park, alongside improved energy supply and a more favourable business environment, would boost manufacturing, processing and enterprise development.
On agriculture, Mutfwang said the government was working to revitalize potato production, promote the Plateau Potato brand and establish processing facilities to serve domestic and export markets.
He added that plans were underway to develop cold-chain facilities for potatoes, vegetables and fruits to reduce post-harvest losses, preserve product quality and help farmers access more profitable markets.
Governor Mutfwang also disclosed that discussions were ongoing with Nigerian Breweries to expand barley production in the state, a move expected to strengthen links between local farmers and industrial manufacturers.
On the ease of doing business, Mutfwang said Plateau State ranked among the top five states in Nigeria in the preceding year, adding that his administration was taking steps to improve access to land for genuine investors.
He cited the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy as part of efforts to facilitate investment and make the state more attractive to businesses.
The Governor also highlighted plans to create employment opportunities for young people through digital services, revealing that the government was working to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre at the former MTN facility in Bukuru.
According to him, the centre is expected to recruit and train 1,800 Plateau youths to provide services to international companies.
“If you can, this initiative would connect young people in the state to employment opportunities in the global digital economy.
He added that the government was collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on an innovation centre at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.
He also disclosed that ₦1 billion had been provided in the state budget to support research by Plateau indigenes in various institutions, stressing that the administration would continue to encourage innovative ideas and locally developed solutions capable of creating economic value.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Musa Shams, described the theme of the trade fair, “Harnessing Agriculture and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity,” as timely.
He said Plateau State possessed the agricultural resources, entrepreneurial capacity and strategic location needed to contribute significantly to food production and distribution.
Shams called for stronger public-private partnerships, improved market access, modern technology and increased investment in agro-processing to translate the state’s economic potential into jobs, food security and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the 2026 Trade Fair Committee, Chief Simon Tangni, commended the governor for personally 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 from different parts of Nigeria, including Lagos and Calabar, as well as Sudan and Senegal, were participating in the event.
According to him, the participation of businesses and institutions from within and outside the country demonstrated growing interest in Plateau State as an investment destination.
The 11th Jos National Trade Fair provides a platform for businesses, manufacturers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and public institutions to display products, explore partnerships, and identify opportunities for investment and market expansion.
