Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has signed a ₦109.7 billion supplementary budget for 2025 into law following its rapid approval by the State House of Assembly, with the appropriation designed to address financial gaps and enhance government services from September to December.
The budget signing ceremony took place at Government House, Rayfield, where Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Philemon Daffi presented the bill to the governor for assent. Daffi praised lawmakers for their swift consideration of the financial measure.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the supplementary budget was essential for maintaining momentum on existing projects and government interventions across critical sectors. He identified security as the foundation of Plateau’s socio-economic recovery, expressing appreciation for the cooperation received from security agencies operating in the state.
The governor highlighted significant improvements in security conditions within Jos, noting that enhanced safety has stimulated economic activity, particularly benefiting the hospitality industry. He pointed to increased hotel occupancy rates as evidence of renewed confidence among visitors to the state.
However, Mutfwang acknowledged that border communities continue to face persistent security challenges, calling for enhanced military presence and intensified aerial surveillance to support ground operations in vulnerable areas.
These remarks came during a courtesy visit by Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal J. Usman, where the governor specifically requested increased deployment of air platforms to threatened localities including Mushere, Chakfem, Qua’an Pan, Wase, and Kanam. He emphasized the critical need for aerial coverage in difficult terrain areas to ensure sustained peace throughout Plateau State.
The governor assured continued collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies while encouraging local communities to provide support to military formations operating in their areas.
Air Vice Marshal Usman expressed gratitude for the support provided to the Nigerian Air Force by the state government, pledging sustained efforts to maintain security across Plateau. He indicated that his visit served dual purposes of thanking the governor and assessing operational readiness while reviewing activities to ensure professional efficiency.
The Air Force chief announced plans to conduct the Air Force Provost Conference in Jos, describing the decision as a demonstration of confidence in Plateau’s improved security situation. He encouraged personnel stationed at the Air Force Base in Kerang, Mangu Local Government Area, to strengthen civil-military relations and collaborate closely with local communities to protect the state’s territorial integrity.
