Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing climate change response as a key pillar of governance.
He made this known on Friday at the official unveiling of the Plateau State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan (2026–2030), held at Crispan Suites and Events Centre in Jos.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Bldr. Jeremiah Satmak, Governor Mutfwang, described the policy as a strategic framework aligning the state with global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He emphasized the importance of inclusive participation, calling on stakeholders, corporate organizations, and development partners to actively support the implementation of the plan.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, highlighted the growing urgency of climate action.
He noted that over the past decade, global atmospheric changes, including rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns, have intensified environmental challenges.
Gwom warned that climate change poses significant risks to human health, food systems, water resources, economic growth, and overall societal stability.
He added that Plateau State is already experiencing these impacts through increased heat waves, drought, desertification, irregular rainfall, and flooding.
According to him, these challenges, alongside biodiversity loss and water scarcity, have placed considerable strain on livelihoods and ecosystems across the state.
He explained that the newly launched policy provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing climate change through mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development strategies.
The framework, he said, establishes legal, institutional, and strategic mechanisms to strengthen the state’s response, while introducing standards and incentives to promote climate-resilient infrastructure and protect natural resources.
Gwom further noted that the policy was developed through an inclusive and participatory process, involving consultations across all 17 local government areas, ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders.
He added that the process ensured gender balance, with active involvement of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to effective implementation through strong institutional coordination, strategic partnerships, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, ALGON, ACreSAL, and the Climate Assembly, among others.
The event culminated in the formal unveiling of the Plateau State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan (2026–2030) by the governor’s representative.
Credit: Kaleng Isaac
