The Founder of the Nigerian Professionals Network and Lagos Central Senatorial Aspirant, Olumide Kola-Lawal, on February 3, 2026, hosted the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, in Washington, DC, under the Network’s flagship Nurturing Nigeria’s Future series.
The high-level investment dialogue, streamed across six countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, convened Nigerian diaspora professionals, investors, development experts, and public policy leaders to examine Plateau State’s governance reforms, economic transformation agenda, and partnership opportunities.
Delivering a forward-looking address, Governor Mutfwang positioned Plateau State as “Nigeria’s next frontier for sustainable growth and peaceful prosperity.” He outlined a clear roadmap anchored on economic revitalization, improved security, social cohesion, and inclusive development, while extending a direct invitation to diaspora professionals to partner with the state.
“Plateau is open for business, open for ideas, and open for partnership,” the Governor said. “We are building a state where security, transparency, and opportunity work together to unlock prosperity for our people and confidence for investors at home and abroad.”
Security and Governance Reforms
Addressing concerns around peace and security, Governor Mutfwang highlighted measurable improvements in community safety and intercommunal relations since assuming office. He attributed these gains to coordinated security diplomacy, intelligence-led operations, and sustained engagement with traditional and religious leaders.
“Our strategy goes beyond enforcement,” he said. “We are tackling insecurity by expanding economic opportunity and strengthening dialogue. Security must be preventive and people-centered.”
Driving Economic Growth
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s reform agenda, noting improvements in the ease of doing business and growing investor confidence. Key hospitality assets, including the Hill Station Hotel and the Plateau Hotel, are undergoing renovation to revive tourism and stimulate economic activity.
He also disclosed progress in urban mobility initiatives, including plans for modern city transportation and rail infrastructure to enhance connectivity and commerce. In agriculture, Plateau State has expanded international partnerships, notably with the Netherlands, boosting productivity. Irish potato farming has grown significantly and is now branded as “Plateau Potatoes,” reflecting improved quality and market potential.
The state is also advancing livestock development to diversify its agricultural value chain.
Political Realignment and Federal Collaboration
Governor Mutfwang addressed Plateau State’s recent political realignment from the PDP to the APC, describing it as a strategic decision driven by the state’s development interests rather than partisan considerations.
According to him, the move has improved political stability, reduced rancour, and strengthened cooperation across government. He cited accelerated federal collaboration as a key gain, including the reconstruction of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, a major economic artery linking Plateau to regional markets.
On security, the Governor announced the recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youths into forest and community protection initiatives to enhance surveillance, create jobs, and safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Deepening Diaspora Engagement
Recognizing the diaspora as a critical driver of development, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the administration’s commitment to structured engagement with Plateau indigenes and Nigerians abroad, leveraging not only capital but also global expertise and networks.
He also announced plans for a major diaspora homecoming initiative in 2027 aimed at reconnecting talent with opportunity and showcasing emerging investment prospects across key sectors.
Commitment to Unity and Inclusion
Throughout the session, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to unity, social inclusion, and shared prosperity, describing Plateau State as “the jewel of the savannah and a prime destination for investment and opportunity.” He advocated greater devolution of powers, particularly in security, stressing the need to empower subnational governments.
“Development must carry everyone along,” he said. “When citizens feel included, societies flourish.”
Call for Continued Collaboration
Convener of the event, Olumide Kola-Lawal, praised the Governor’s clarity of vision and candor, describing the engagement as timely and impactful.
The dialogue concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between Plateau State and diaspora stakeholders, alongside concrete follow-up mechanisms to translate discussions into investments and development projects.
