The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, a strategic move to strengthen government interventions for vulnerable citizens and enhance the State’s capacity to respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies and poverty related challenges.

The decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Executive Governor of Plateau State Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, from the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Disclosing the Council’s resolutions, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, said the new ministry would provide a dedicated institutional framework for coordinating humanitarian assistance, social protection and poverty-reduction initiatives across the State.

According to her, the ministry is expected to incorporate the activities of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Trauma Centre thereby creating a more coordinated and efficient approach to humanitarian response and support for vulnerable communities.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Martha Nyam, the Commissioner noted that the initiative would also strengthen collaboration between the State and Federal Government on humanitarian and poverty-reduction programmes, while ensuring that interventions reach citizens who need them most.

In another significant decision, the Council approved the renovation of the administrative building of the Jos Main Market and the Satellite Market, to improve their operational efficiency, functionality and overall management.

The Council also approved the additional procurement and installation of solar-powered streetlights and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, alongside the maintenance of existing streetlights across the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.

“Under the approved security and infrastructure programme, a total of 4,029 streetlight infrastructure units will be covered, while 199 CCTV cameras will be procured and installed in two phases to strengthen security, surveillance and public safety within the metropolis.

“The interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to building safer, more resilient and better-organised communities, while investing in infrastructure that directly improves the quality of life and economic activities of citizens,” Ramnap added.

She said that the Plateau State Government remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote inclusive development, protect vulnerable citizens, strengthen public safety and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth across the state.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, alongside members of the State Executive Council.