The Plateau State Government has introduced a new humanitarian ministry and expanded security infrastructure with 4,029 streetlights and 199 CCTV cameras, as part of efforts to build safer communities, strengthen economic activity and improve residents’ quality of life.

The Plateau State Government has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, alongside major security infrastructure projects designed to strengthen humanitarian response and improve public safety across the state.

The decisions were reached at the Plateau State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Briefing journalists on the Council’s resolutions, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the new ministry would provide a dedicated institutional framework for coordinating humanitarian assistance, social protection and poverty-reduction initiatives across Plateau State.

She explained that the ministry would incorporate the activities of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Trauma Centre, bringing related interventions under a more coordinated structure.

According to the Commissioner, the new ministry would also strengthen collaboration between the state and the Federal Government on humanitarian and poverty-reduction programmes, while improving the delivery of interventions to vulnerable citizens and communities.

In a major boost to security and urban infrastructure, the Council approved the procurement and installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and Closed-Circuit Television cameras across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Under the programme, 4,029 streetlight infrastructure units will be covered, while 199 CCTV cameras will be procured and installed in two phases to enhance surveillance, security and public safety.

The Council also approved the renovation of the administrative buildings of the Jos Main Market and Satellite Market to improve their functionality, operational efficiency and management.

The government says the interventions are aimed at building safer and more resilient communities while creating an environment that supports economic activities and improves the quality of life of residents.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, and other members of the State Executive Council.