Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., has unveiled plans to position the state as a major industrial processing and commercial hub in Nigeria within the next two to three years, with renewed investments in agriculture, livestock development, tourism, innovation and youth employment.
The Governor made this known on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while declaring open the 11th Jos National Trade Fair, organised by the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) at the Jos Polo Field, Joseph Gomwalk Road, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s resolve to pursuing strategic economic reforms and infrastructure investments to unlock Plateau State’s productive potential.
” The plans of my administration is to establish a permanent trade fair and exhibition complex in the state, attract private capital and expand opportunities for businesses and residents.”
He directed the Chief Simon Tangni-led stakeholders to immediately commence preparations for the next edition while charging Elder Mulus Daring to chair a committee to identify suitable locations, with the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry serving as secretary while elder statesman Chief S.D. Makama to advise the committee, drawing on his extensive experience in public administration and commerce.
The Governor explained that the proposed facility would provide a permanent platform for manufacturers, investors, entrepreneurs and traders to showcase products, establish business relationships and facilitate commercial transactions beyond the annual trade fair.
“The time for Plateau State to rise and to move forward commercially in trade, investment and innovation, the time is now.”
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 with a capacity to process up to 500 cattle daily as part of a broader strategy to develop the livestock economy and strengthen its contribution to jobs, food supply and commercial activity.
Mutfwang also 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 investment, alongside improvements in energy supply and the business environment, would support manufacturing, processing and enterprise development.
Agriculture and agro-processing featured prominently in the Governor’s economic agenda. He said his administration was working to revitalise potato production, promote the Plateau Potato brand and develop processing facilities capable of serving domestic and export markets. Plans were also underway to establish cold-chain facilities for potatoes, vegetables and fruits to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and enable farmers to access more profitable markets.
The Governor further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with Nigerian Breweries to expand barley production on the Plateau, highlighting the potential for stronger linkages between local farmers and industrial manufacturers.
On the ease of doing business, the Governor said Plateau State had ranked among Nigeria’s top five states in the preceding year, adding that his administration was working to make land more accessible to genuine investors. He cited the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy as evidence of efforts to improve access to land and facilitate investment.
He also highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young people, particularly through digital services and innovation. According to him, plans were being advanced to establish a Business Process Outsourcing centre at the former MTN facility in Bukuru, with provision to recruit and train 1,800 Plateau youths to provide services to international companies.
“If you are able to work in that space, you can be sitting in Jos, working for an American company, and earning dollars,”
the Governor said, describing the initiative as part of his administration’s efforts to connect young people to opportunities in the global digital economy.
He added that the state was collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on an innovation centre at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, while ₦1 billion had been provided in the state budget to encourage research by Plateau indigenes in different institutions. He said the administration would continue to identify and support innovative ideas and home-grown solutions capable of creating economic value.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. 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, noting that Plateau State had the agricultural resources, entrepreneurial capacity and strategic position to support food production and distribution.
He called for stronger public-private partnerships, improved access to markets, modern technology and agro-processing investments to translate the state’s productive advantages into jobs, food security and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the 2026 Trade Fair Committee, Chief Simon Tangni, commended Governor Mutfwang for attending the opening ceremony personally despite his demanding schedule. He said the fair had been designed to align with the administration’s priorities in commerce, agriculture, livestock production, investment and entrepreneurship.
Tangni disclosed that exhibitors and partners had participated from different parts of Nigeria, including Lagos and Calabar, as well as from Sudan and Senegal. He noted that the participation of businesses and institutions 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.
