By Vivian Emoni
The Governor of Plateau, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, says the goods and services produced and branded in his area demonstrate quality and uniqueness of the state.
The governor said this at the Plateau Special Day in the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), in Abuja.
Mutfwang, called on investors, entrepreneurs and traders to explore the opportunities in the area to promote sustainable economy in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the fair is, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentive, and Taxation.”
The AITF commenced on Sept. 25th and will end on Oct. 6th 2025.
He said that the state was committed to adding value to mineral resources, promoting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and branding goods and services.
“Plateau State is open for business and we invite investors, entrepreneurs and traders to explore the opportunities in our state.
“Let us work together to build a thriving economy, driven by our non-oil sector and showcasing the best of the state to the world.
“Our Made in Nigeria goods and services brands demonstrate the quality and uniqueness of our products.
“In agriculture, we are branding our products and services, ensuring standardisation through initiatives like branded sacks, weight and measures,” he said.
He said that the state was creating conducive business environment, adding that the state was improving in transportation network.
“We are streamlining business registration processes and enhancing the ease of doing business in our state.
“We are also collaborating with association of Small-Scale Industrialists and reorganising the mining sector to ensure sustainable development.
“Furthermore, we are equipping entrepreneurship in the state through training programmes, access to finance and mentorship,” he said.
Mutfwang said that the key aspect of the state’s strategy was building neighbourhood markets and technology hubs.
He added that the efforts would enable the state to accelerate efforts to process and brand key Plateau crops such as potato, coffee and hibiscus for export through the proposed cargo airport.
The governor was represented by Mr Mohammed Nyalun, Commissioner for Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (ACCI) said, the theme of the fair was both timely and relevant, not just to the national economy, but also to states.
Jideani said that the state’s natural and human resources remained vital for sustainable growth, adding that the state was a land of immense potentials.
“It is endowed with vast mineral resources, including limestone, kaolin, diatomite, gypsum, clay shale, trona, sandstone, silica sand, granite and iron ore.
“While gypsum has already spurred notable trading activities in areas like Potiskum, much of these mineral reserves remain untapped.
According to him, harnessing these resources could create thousands of jobs, attract investors and accelerate industrialisation in the state.
Jideani noted that the relationship between the ACCI and the state was one of the mutual benefits.
“While ACCI members gain new markets, raw materials and investment opportunities, Plateau gains access to our wide network of local and international investors.
“Together, we can build stronger regional integration across the North-Central corridor, drive SME growth and promote sustainable development.
“I commend the state governor and the good people of Plateau for their resilience, enterprise and commitment to development. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with you to build our economy and future,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
