The Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has flagged off the construction of a 400-unit housing estate for civil servants, describing the project as a milestone in his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and sustainable development. The initiative is part of a broader 2,000-unit workers’ housing scheme across the state.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Zanwra, Nkie Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area, the Governor emphasized that the project represents more than physical structures.
“Today, we are not merely laying foundation stones; we are laying the foundation of hope, dignity, and stability for our hardworking workforce,” he declared.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the project as a deliberate social and welfare policy to prioritize civil servants, whom he described as “the true and reliable pillars of good governance.” He recalled reforms already achieved to restore workers’ pride and morale, including:
• Clearing months of accumulated salary arrears.
• Settling decades-old pension and gratuity backlogs, some dating to 1986.
• Restoring timely salary payments.
• Paying death benefits to long-neglected families.
• Raising pensions by up to 100%, increasing the minimum pension from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000.
• Approving the ₦70,000 minimum wage for Plateau civil servants.
“By the grace of God, and with the cooperation of stakeholders, we have made remarkable progress in repositioning our civil service as a model of excellence,” he affirmed.
The Governor disclosed that the government acquired 38.299 hectares of land in Zanwra at a cost of ₦346,542,000, fully paid for to ensure the project’s smooth execution.
“Housing is not a privilege, it is a right. With this project, we are not just building houses; we are creating homes, communities, and enduring legacies,” he added, pledging to replicate similar developments across the state.
Labour leaders and stakeholders welcomed the initiative:
• Plateau State NLC Chairman, Comrade Eugene Manji, commended the Governor for reviving the workers’ housing scheme and ensuring land payments were fully made, calling it the first of its kind for Plateau civil servants.
• Head of Civil Service, Mr. Stephen Pam Godong, assured that housing allocation will be handled transparently, based on years of service, income levels, and contributions to the National Housing Fund.
• Representing the developers, Engr. Christopher Nathaniel of DSK Group pledged to deliver durable, eco-friendly units with solar power, clean water, schools, clinics, community centers, and recreational facilities. The estate will also create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
In goodwill messages, TUC Chairman Kenneth Shamma requested alternative access routes linking the estate to the city, while HRH Ronku Aka, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, praised the Governor’s developmental strides and called for enhanced security in the area.
The event concluded with the symbolic laying of the foundation stone by Governor Mutfwang, marking a significant step toward closing Plateau State’s accommodation gap for civil servants.
