DURING this year’s ministerial press briefing marking Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s second anniversary in office, the Plateau State Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development showcased an impressive scorecard of achievements reflecting the administration’s commitment to sustainable development. HOSEA NYAMLONG, LOIS DADU’UT & JIDAUNA DARING capture the highlights of Commissioner Peter Gwom’s presentation, which outlined major interventions in sanitation, climate resilience and mineral development—all credited to Governor Mutfwang’s visionary leadership
The commissioner underscored the ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that several critical projects had been executed in the last two years. Through the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), the ministry has enforced sanitary and environmental regulations with renewed vigour, leading to a cleaner and healthier Plateau.
Climate change mitigation has also been prioritised, with projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy taking root. These interventions, the commissioner noted, reflect the proactive and innovative approach of the Mutfwang administration towards environmental conservation.
“Our ministry has recorded commendable feats – from the reclamation of gullies and construction of drainage systems to support for women in mining and the renovation of waste management facilities. All these underscore our unwavering commitment to sustainable development,” Gwom stated.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his visionary leadership,
saying it has been instrumental in enabling the ministry to make meaningful progress in creating a cleaner, healthier and more secure Plateau State.
Reclamation, mining support, climate resilience projects
The Commissioner highlighted specific projects executed across the state, including the reclamation of gullies, construction of drainage systems and purchase of 40 mowing machines to maintain public spaces. Support for women in mining was also a notable achievement, with the ministry facilitating their attendance at the Annual Mining and Exhibition Conference.
Other achievements include the renovation of the Dino Large Bin for waste management, payment of counterpart funds for the ACReSAL and NEWMAP projects and hosting a workshop on emerging reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector. Furthermore, the ministry commemorated World Environment Day through stakeholder engagements on the state’s climate change policy framework.
Under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid
Landscape (ACReSAL) Project, Plateau State witnessed substantial progress. These include the construction of Diffuse Light Houses in Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Bokkos LGAs, rehabilitation of the gully erosion site at Plateau Club/Bingham University Teaching Hospital, provision of water harvesting facilities for 2,000 households and renovation of the ministries of environment, agriculture, and water resources.
PEPSA Revitalisation, public sensitisation
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) was also revived with a series of impactful interventions. These included the resuscitation of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, renovation of the agency’s Conference Hall and intensive public sensitisation campaigns on the importance of toilet facilities and personal hygiene.
Additionally, PEPSA coordinated the evacuation of solid waste from the busy Terminus Market in Jos and trained volunteer vanguards on sanitation practices. The Nigeria Erosion and
Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is currently ongoing, with design works progressing at locations such as St. Mary Catholic School, GSS Kabong and Kurgwi.
The Plateau Minerals Development Company Limited recorded gains in the construction of bucket exelons and procurement of magnetic separators to boost mineral processing capacity. There was also the expansion of the mineral buying centre building, indicating a commitment to institutionalising mineral trade structures in the state.
“The ministry’s achievements speak volumes about our dedication to environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and responsible mineral development,” Gwom said.
Public applause, civic feedback
SUNDAY STANDARD also sampled opinions from residents to gauge public perception of Governor Mutfwang’s two-year administration.
Tunde Salako, a commercial bus driver operating between Jos North and South, praised Executive Order 003, which led to the removal of illegal
structures in the capital. “This has made the city cleaner and decongested, allowing us to do business more smoothly without traffic jams,” he remarked.
Fruit vendor Asabe Iveh appreciated the Governor’s efforts to sanitise the environment but appealed for more support for petty traders who struggle to secure spaces to sell their goods amid rising economic hardship.
Mr. John Ike, a resident of Rukuba Road, commended the rehabilitation of city centre link roads, saying it has eased movement. Similarly, Mr. Gyang Davou from Jos South lauded the monthly sanitation exercise and PEPSA’s efforts in waste clearance, citing Plateau’s recognition as the 7th cleanest state in the country last year.
Another citizen, Martha Azi, expressed satisfaction with the drainage works being undertaken across the state. “I believe we won’t experience flooding this rainy season. This gives me hope,” she said.
However, not all residents were entirely satisfied. A second-hand cloth dealer, who preferred anonymity, acknowledged the governor’s general performance but urged the government to urgently address the plight of traders at the burnt Jos Terminus Market, many of whom lost goods worth millions. He appealed for an alternative trading space to sustain livelihoods.
Nonetheless, the weight of citizen testimonies and documented achievements paints a picture of a ministry – and an administration – committed to delivering environmental and socio-economic dividends to the people of Plateau State. The call from the public, however, remains clear: ‘The time is now’ mantra should be sustained with greater intensity to fulfil the full promise of democracy.