The Plateau State House of Assembly, during a plenary session on Thursday, opposed the proposed relocation of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) headquarters from Jos.
Presided over by Speaker Naanlong Daniel, the House unanimously resolved that relocating the ITF headquarters would severely impact the state’s economy and heritage.
The House resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon Theodore Bala Maiyaki, representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency.
“I rise this morning under a matter of urgent public importance to draw the attention of this honourable house, the Plateau State Government and the federal government of Nigeria to a matter that threatens the socio-economic stability, institutional heritage, and pride of our dear State, the proposed relocation of the headquarters of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) from Jos,” he said.
Maiyaki argued that the proposed move of the ITF Headquarters away from Jos will not only strip Plateau State of a significant federal presence but will also undermine the State’s economic activities linked to the institution, lead to the loss of jobs and opportunities for our citizens, and erode the historical identity and pride associated with the ITF’s presence in Jos.
He also said the proposed move would disrupt decades-old training programs and partnerships in the state.
“I urge this Honourable House to pass a strong resolution appealing to the State Government to liaise urgently with the Federal Government to halt any move to relocate the ITF Headquarters,” he said.
Having adopted all prayers of the motions, the house also resolved that Speaker Naanlong Daniel would lead members to meet all relevant authorities, as proposed by member Daniel Listick.
