Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has said his administration inherited 42 abandoned infrastructural projects in the state.
According to him, the projects amounted to approximately N47 billion debt.
He explained that the debt has affected the state’s standing in contract enforcement evaluations by the World Bank and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
The governor made the disclosure during a training session organised by the Executive Governor’s Strategy and Results Delivery Office in collaboration with the key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the state’s Built Environment Sector.
The key ministries are the Ministries of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Education (Higher), Water Resources and Energy, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency, and Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board.
Represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, the governor explained that infrastructure development remains a paramount priority articulated within the Plateau State Development Framework (PSDF) for the period 2023-2027.
He said, “The ongoing challenges regarding infrastructure delivery—evidenced by issues such as scope creep, cost overruns, and inadequate project risk management have resulted in several failed projects and ensuing governmental losses.”
The governor expressed optimism that the training would enhance their skills in project delivery and efficiency and also fosters dialogues on strategies to mitigate financial wastage, bolster accountability, and improve project completion rates.
The governor explained that he is encouraged by the potential of the inter-agency collaboration and stressed the need of a departure from traditional practices toward a model that prioritizes accountability and transparency within the professions.
He assured that by the end of the engagement, a set of harmonised guidelines and standards would be established to ensure value for money, efficiency, and adherence to the fundamental requirements necessary for meeting best practices.
He challenged leaders of the professional bodies present to fully leverage the opportunity and disseminate their insights and knowledge among their peers, thereby contributing to the advancement of the state.
The head of Strategy and Result Delivery Office of the Governor, Mr Samari Modibbo, said one of the gaps they have found in MDAs is the delivery of infrastructure.
He said that it has to do with capacity and ethical problems about best practices pointing out that, that is exactly what they want to address at the training.
Plateau: I inherited 42 abandoned infrastructural projects worth N47bn – Gov Mutfwang
