Plateau State in N307 Billion Debt – Transition Committee Report Revealed

Reports from the Plateau State Transition Committee and the Committee on a Four-Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Plateau State have been sent to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The studies, which were delivered by Prof. Ganyir Lombin, gave information about the state’s debt load and the difficulties that the previous administration experienced. The present administration has inherited a staggering N307 billion in debt.

Governor Mutfwang gave everyone the reassurance that the reports wouldn’t be overlooked during the presentation at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos. He underlined the significance of carefully examining them, carrying out additional research, and making the necessary decisions. The unanticipated debt load, which was first estimated to be roughly N200 billion, worried the governor. With the deployment of new security officers and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Security, he remained hopeful about resolving the difficulties, notably the security issue.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to carrying out his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the residents of Plateau State. He stressed the urgent need to revive Plateau State’s reputation as a haven of peace and tourism.

The head of the two committees, Prof. Ganyir Lombin, expressed thanks for the chance to serve the state but emphasized the logistical difficulties that precluded a joint presentation. He bemoaned Barr’s departing government. The committee was not given the chance to participate in the handover paperwork presented before May 29, 2023 by Simon Lalong.

Prof. Lombin emphasized that the handover notes provided by the departing administration on May 29, 2023, were incomplete and did not adhere to the Joint Committee’s agreed-upon template. The Plateau State Government reported receiving N872 billion in revenue from May 2015 to May 2023, but only up to December 2022, when N810 billion in total expenditures were disclosed. There were concerns and a need for more investigation because there were no expenditure numbers available from January to May 2023.

The committee highlighted other pressing issues, including a backlog of four months’ unpaid salaries to public servants, totaling over N11 billion, and outstanding gratuity and pension arrears amounting to N24 billion. The Legacy Projects of the state were entangled in controversies and unresolved legal cases, hampering their implementation. Additionally, 3,692 government assets and properties, including cars and houses, were sold at significantly low prices, both within and outside the state, requiring further investigation and appropriate action.

Prof. Lombin acknowledged the significant challenges inherited by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, including a near-bankrupt state, weak institutions, low public morale, and a high level of insecurity. Despite these obstacles, he commended the Governor’s determination to succeed in pursuing the collective interests of the people of Plateau State.

The reports presented valuable insights into the state’s financial situation and will serve as a foundation for the Mutfwang administration’s efforts to address the challenges ahead. The Governor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and resolving the inherited issues is crucial for restoring the state’s stability and fostering development.