GOVERNOR MUTFWANG LINKS HEALTHCARE REVIVAL TO PEACE, RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND WEALTH CREATION, ASSURES RESIDENT DOCTORS OF SUPPORT

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to revitalising the healthcare sector and improving the welfare of medical professionals, identifying peace, economic prosperity and sustainable financing as indispensable pillars for a resilient health system and holistic development.

The Governor stated this on Monday, January 26, 2026, while receiving the National President and members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Welcoming the delegation led by the National President of NARD, Dr. Mohammed Salisu Suleiman, Governor Mutfwang commended the association for its “articulate engagement, professionalism and strong sense of patriotism,” noting that the visit itself was a clear reflection of the renewed confidence being restored in Plateau State.

He observed that the growing confidence was evident in the unprecedented level of hotel occupancy and increased vehicular movement into Jos, particularly during weekends and festive periods.

“Today, apart from Abuja, perhaps no other state in northern Nigeria records the level of hotel occupancy we now experience in Plateau State, with hotels fully booked on weekends,” the Governor said. “This increased inflow of visitors clearly shows that people are rediscovering Plateau as a safe, peaceful and welcoming destination.”

While acknowledging the long-standing security challenges that have confronted the state, Governor Mutfwang stressed that deliberate and coordinated efforts by his administration, in close collaboration with security agencies, were gradually yielding tangible and measurable results.

He disclosed that Plateau State had recently hosted several national and international events, including engagements involving foreign diplomats, describing these developments as strong indicators of the state’s steady re-emergence as a centre of peace, tourism and investment.

The Governor paid glowing tribute to resident doctors and the wider medical community, describing them as “miracle workers,” especially those rendering services in rural and underserved areas under extremely difficult conditions. He praised their sacrifice, compassion and resilience, noting that without their commitment and patriotism, the nation’s healthcare system would have been severely overstretched.

Speaking on healthcare development, Governor Mutfwang revealed that his administration had deliberately increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, recognising that good health remains the foundation for educational attainment, economic productivity and human capital development.

According to him, the state is prioritising the revitalisation of primary healthcare, the strengthening of secondary health facilities, and the expansion of tertiary healthcare capacity. He further disclosed plans to develop standard teaching hospital facilities capable of attracting specialists, medical tourists and advanced healthcare services from within and beyond Plateau State.

“Healthcare funding is capital-intensive,” the Governor noted. “Wealth creation is the bedrock of sustainable healthcare financing. When we tackle poverty and grow our economy, we improve health outcomes and expand government capacity to fund critical social services, especially in northern Nigeria where poverty indices remain a major challenge.”

Governor Mutfwang also commended NARD’s evolving leadership approach and its emphasis on strategic engagement, dialogue and partnership. He urged the association to sustain constructive engagement rather than confrontation in addressing challenges facing resident doctors.

While acknowledging the competing demands on limited resources, particularly in the area of security, the Governor assured the association of his readiness to advocate for resident doctors and to work collaboratively, within available means, to improve their working conditions and professional development.

Earlier, the National President of NARD, Dr. Mohammed Salisu Suleiman, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his openness, accessibility and responsive leadership. He outlined some of the challenges confronting resident doctors nationwide and appealed for sustained dialogue, understanding and cooperation.

Dr. Suleiman assured the Plateau State Government of NARD’s continued commitment to selfless service, professionalism and constructive engagement in support of healthcare delivery and national development.

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs

to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

January 26, 2026