Governor Mutfwang Commissions Life-changing Projects to Ease Transport, Enhance Healthcare Delivery and Strengthen Education in Plateau State.

In a renewed commitment to ease public transportation, improve road infrastructure, enhance healthcare delivery, and boost education in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang alongside the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo commissioned life-changing projects across key sectors to uplift the living standards of the people.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Governor commissioned projects include Metro Buses 2.0 at the Old Government House, Rayfield; a laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos; the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads at the Utonkon–Abattoir Road; and a one-storey administrative block and refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.

Commissioning the Metro Buses, Governor Mutfwang expressed delight at the progress made by his administration in addressing citizens’ basic needs in line with his campaign promises. He said the introduction of the Metro Buses has subsidized transportation, thereby boosting economic activities across the state.

“Today, we are witnessing the revival of one of Plateau’s legacy institutions. The Plateau Express Service had suffered years of neglect, but under our administration, it is alive again. These Metro buses were not federal gifts or grants. They were bought brand new, not Tokunbo, using Plateau State’s constitutional allocation, managed prudently for the good of our people,” the governor stated.

He added that the investment in mass transit directly responds to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governments to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. According to him, the Tin City Metro is one of the most effective mechanisms adopted by his administration to cushion the effects on the people.

“Instead of buying luxury vehicles for ministries and MDAs, we prioritized the people. With these buses, we are bringing the subsidy back to the masses. The applause and dancing I saw when these buses entered the city gave me renewed energy. We are just getting started,” he said.

“With 15 buses launched last year and another 15 this year, the Tin City Metro now transports over 9,000 commuters daily, with plans to scale up to 18,000–20,000 as Phase 2.0 takes full effect. This is not the end, we are planning Tin City Metro 3.0. We are reviving more than transportation; we are restoring Plateau’s pride.”

Governor Mutfwang further emphasized the broader infrastructure revival agenda of his administration, including the resuscitation of the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), Jos International Breweries (JIB), Panyam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel.

On the aviation front, the governor confirmed the signing of an MOU with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade Jos Airport into an International Cargo Terminal. He also disclosed ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to restore rail links from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri through Jos.

He announced that President Tinubu has adopted the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road as one of his four legacy federal projects, and pledged his administration’s commitment to prioritizing development over politics.

In a heartwarming moment, Governor Mutfwang was introduced to Ms. Luka Nambam, Plateau’s first-ever female Metro Bus driver, who is currently undergoing advanced training. He expressed pride in her achievement, recalling that he had sponsored young Plateau youths, including Nambam, for mechanical training years ago.

“We are intentional about reviving the industry of the girl child. It is a joy to see a seed sown long ago bear fruit today. Our women must be equipped to benefit their families and society,” he said.

Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, said the buses have brought significant relief to commuters within the Greater Jos Masterplan. “Where a return trip used to cost ₦2,400, it now costs ₦400, saving each commuter ₦2,000 daily. Over 25 days, that’s ₦50,000 in savings per person. This is Plateau’s version of Conditional Cash Transfer, simple, efficient, and impactful,” he noted.

General Manager of Plateau Express Service, Mr. Samuel Gwot, applauded the governor’s vision and dedication to sustainable reforms. “When we launched the first 15 buses, skeptics said they wouldn’t last. Each Metro Bus comes equipped with CCTV cameras, smart payment systems, AI-driven analytics, and the Tin City Metro 2.0 Travel Card, with over 60,000 active cardholders recorded to date. The mobile app supports QR code payments, real-time bus tracking, and seamless access for tourists and visitors.”

In another development, Governor Mutfwang commissioned a state-of-the-art laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos. He said the hospital is being upgraded to serve as a medical hub for the state, with modern equipment and quality services.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, thanked the governor for his swift intervention and consistent approvals to revamp the health sector. He noted that general hospitals across all 17 LGAs have received significant upgrades, while citizens’ health needs are increasingly met through the state’s health insurance scheme.

Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, said the upgrades have raised the hospital’s standard to a world-class level, with cutting-edge equipment and better facilities.

At the commissioning of the newly completed Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads along the Utonkon-Abattoir axis, Governor Mutfwang remarked, “On this 12th day of June 2025, Democracy Day, it is my pleasure and honor to formally unveil one of the dividends of democracy delivered to our people.”

He added, “When we came on board, we saw the dilapidation of infrastructure and committed to changing the narrative. I am glad this is the first official road infrastructure I am commissioning, among several others completed. Currently, over 3,000 kilometers of roads are being evaluated across the state.”

“After eight years of abandonment, a project initiated by our visionary leader, Da Jonah Jang, a PDP governor, is now completed by another PDP governor. It’s not because we have more money, but because we are prudent and prioritize rightly. This road has improved life and economic activity in the area, aligning with the Greater Jos Masterplan.”

Commissioner of Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma, and Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Sylvanus Dontoe, both commended Governor Mutfwang for completing the crucial infrastructure. They explained that the project was originally awarded to PW Nigeria Ltd in 2007 and transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in 2009 under Da Jonah David Jang.

The project aimed to upgrade slum areas and decongest the city centre by linking the Old Airport Road to the Central Business District. The railway crossing at Utonkon necessitated a 9-span flyover bridge with an underpass and four slip roads to connect adjoining communities.

At Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Governor Mutfwang noted that his administration is working toward upgrading the institution into a University of Science and Technology. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in the pursuit of academic excellence.

“Change is about leadership. With the right leadership in place, transformation is possible. We are determined to improve not only staff quality and curriculum but also the learning environment,” he said.

He also addressed a recent controversy regarding academic staff recruitment, reiterating that only candidates with the required qualifications, such as a minimum of a second-class lower degree, will be considered for teaching positions.

Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Clement Chirman, described the day as a milestone in the institution’s journey toward academic excellence and infrastructural transformation. He noted that the newly completed projects, including the administrative block, J.C. Dariye Hall, twin theatre, and Human Resource Development Centre, reflect the Polytechnic’s commitment to quality education.

Governor Mutfwang also commissioned Dachom Road down to Nanmwa Junction, reaffirming his government’s resolve to ensure equitable development across the state.