The Plateau State Government is ramping up efforts to modernize governance and improve public service delivery with sweeping reforms across the civil service and transport sectors.
These initiatives were unveiled during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Jos, where commissioners presented their scorecards under the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The Head of Civil Service, Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, revealed that the government has commenced full digitization of civil service operations including biometric attendance systems, digital personnel records, and an integrated e-governance structure.
According to him, the move is aimed at eliminating manual bottlenecks, promoting transparency, and enhancing professionalism within the service.
“We have commenced the installation of biometric attendance devices across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and digitized personnel records to eliminate ghost workers and other forms of inefficiency,”
“Our vision is to create a more responsive, performance-driven service in line with the ‘Time is Now’ mantra of His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.” He stated.
He added that the reforms also include a one-month ICT literacy programme for administrative staff, digital skills training for Permanent Secretaries, and approval of study leave with pay for 68 officers in the 2024/2025 session.
Gadong also disclosed that he recently took part in a study tour of Singapore’s Civil Service, facilitated by the UNDP and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
“It afforded us the opportunity to explore and adopt best practices from Singapore’s Civil Service, particularly in the areas of reforms, good governance, digital transformation, and transparency,” he said.
In addition to digital reforms, the government has approved the sum of N372,750,000 for the purchase of land for a new Plateau State Housing Scheme at Zawhura Village in Bassa Local Government Area.
The Head of Service described this as a significant milestone in the administration’s effort to improve staff welfare through affordable accommodation.
He emphasized that the initiative was part of efforts to restore the dignity of public service and reposition the civil service as the “engine room of government.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Jatau Gyang Davou, also gave an account of ongoing reforms within the transport sector, particularly efforts to reduce road traffic crashes, decentralize licensing services, and improve record management.
He stated that over 2,000 traffic violations were recorded in the past year, many of which resulted in fatal or serious accidents.
“We are not treating these violations with levity. That is why we have activated the Mobile Magistrate Court System.
With this, traffic offenders are tried on the spot and, where necessary, prosecuted immediately. It sends a strong message to reckless drivers that indiscipline on our roads will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
He also announced that the ministry has expanded licensing centres to underserved areas such as Mikang, Riyom, Qua’an Pan, and Langtang North, to improve access to vehicle registration and driver licensing services.
“This is not just about convenience; it’s about equity and ensuring that people in rural areas enjoy the same access to services as those in Jos.”
The Commissioner disclosed that from January 2025, all vehicle and driver data would be captured, stored, and processed digitally in order to minimize fraud, streamline operations, and enhance road security.
In addition, over 500 commercial drivers, tricycle operators, and motorcycle riders have so far been trained through road safety education programmes organized by the ministry.
“These trainings are not one-off. We are institutionalizing safety education in our transport system,” he said. “When drivers are well-informed, they become partners in saving lives, not threats to them.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, welcomed participants to the briefing and reaffirmed the Mutfwang administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
She described the event as a platform for public scrutiny that only a people-driven government would embrace.
“There is no gainsaying that this activity bridges the gap between the government and the people it serves,” she said. “It promotes transparency and a culture of accountability in public service.”
According to her, the ministerial briefing was not just a ceremonial event but a demonstration of leadership that listens and responds.
“No government working at cross purposes with the people’s interest will be willing to provide such a platform for the scrutiny of its activities.
“But the Mutfwang-led government is not just any government; it is a government whose agenda is simply a synthesis of the legitimate aspirations of the people of Plateau State,” she added.
The ministerial briefing, which began on Tuesday, features presentations from the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Lands and Survey. The scorecard presentations continue through May 22, 2025.
