Plateau State governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has stated that his administration
inherited 42 abandoned infrastructural projects amounting to a debt of approximately N47 billion.
According to him, this development has significantly 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.
Our correspondent reports that others 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.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, also underscored the significance of this initiative to his administration, as infrastructure development remains a paramount priority articulated within the Plateau State Development Framework (PSDF) for the period 2023-2027.
He also argued that 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.
“I am confident that this training will enhance your skills in project delivery and efficiency, while also fostering dialogues on strategies to mitigate financial wastage, bolster accountability, and improve project completion rates.”
The governor also said he is encouraged by the potential of this inter-agency collaboration and urged a departure from traditional practices toward a model that prioritizes accountability and transparency within the professions.
According to him, by the end of the engagement, a set of harmonised guidelines and standards will 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 this 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 Executive Governor Mr. Samari Modibbo said one of the gaps they have found in MDAs is the delivery of infrastructure.
According to him, this 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.
