The Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, in conjunction with a consortium of consultants, has held an expanded consultation and interactive session with critical stakeholders to gather inputs for the renewal of the Greater Jos Master Plan.
The meeting, which held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Jos, was attended by representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), federal agencies, local government councils, security agencies, utility providers, civil society organizations, traditional and religious bodies, and the media.
Declaring the session open, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Sylvanus Dongtoe said the engagement was necessary to ensure an all-inclusive and implementable master plan.
He recalled that previous attempts, including the 2010–2025 Master Plan, failed to receive full stakeholder buy-in and were not passed into law.
“We have adopted a new approach. We have engaged a consortium of consultants and we are bringing all critical stakeholders on board from the beginning. This is a master plan that we will all own and be proud of,” the commissioner stated.
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Sylvanus L. Dongtoe
He added that the ministry has already commenced advocacy visits to traditional rulers, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, the Agwom Izere, the Ujah Anaguta and the paramount ruler of Miango.
On collaborative, data-driven Plan, leader of the consortium, Tpl. Dr. Stephen Hirse explained that the new master plan will project development in Jos to the year 2050.
“A master plan captures the aspirations of the people. No single person can decide what Jos will look like in 2050. That is why your contributions are vital,” he said.
Dr. Hirse noted that the plan covers six LGAs: Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Barkin Ladi and Riyom. He stressed the need for MDAs to stop working in silos to avoid duplication and conflicting projects.
Executive Chairman, Riyom Local Govt. Council, Hon. Sati Suwa
According to him, questionnaires will be distributed to all MDAs to capture mandates, assets and project pipelines, adding that the exercise has a four-week timeline, after which GIS mapping and sectoral roundtable reviews will be conducted.
Also speaking, representatives of Maxlock Nigeria and International stated that experts will work with indigenous consultants to collect and analyze data from each MDA.
General Manager, Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, on his part, called for tourism to be mainstreamed into the plan, noting the state’s partnership with UNDP on a Tourism and Creative Sector Master Plan.
Leader of the Consortium: Tpl. Dr. Stephen O. Hirse
Representative of the GOC 3rd Armoured Division, Brig. Gen. S.O. Sadiq emphasized collaboration among government, citizens and security agencies for a safe and livable Jos.
General Manager, Plateau Tourism Corporation, Hon. Shuwang Pwajok
The Executive Chairman of Riyom LGA, Hon. Dr. Sati Shuwa, on behalf of other council chairmen, pledged the support of local governments to ensure the success of the plan.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Keziah Ishaya Dung, mni, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to delivering a credible, transparent and people-oriented Greater Jos Master Plan.
Group Photograph of participants
The consultation had in attendance commissioners and representatives from ministries of Works, Transport, Lands, Environment, Water, Agriculture, Commerce, Health, Education, Finance, Budget, Youth, Women Affairs, as well as JMDB, PEPSA, Jos Water, PRUWSSA, PLARMA, SEMA, Fire Service, IRS, NESCO, JED, NCC, Police, Army, FRSC, CAN, JNI and other stakeholders.
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kesiah Ishaya
