Nurturing Nigeria’s Future Roundtable with H.E. Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State

In a roundtable organized by the Nigerian Professionals Network, a pivotal conversation unfolded under the overarching theme of “Activating New Partnerships: Mobilizing Nigerian Diaspora Resources for Impact Investments.” This event, part of the network’s broader initiative “Nurturing Nigeria’s Future,” provided a platform for His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, to engage in a dialogue aimed at fostering collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora. The focal point was exploring avenues for leveraging diaspora-driven investments to tackle Plateau State’s multifaceted economic, social, and environmental challenges.

At the heart of the discussion were three pivotal sectors identified by Governor Mutfwang as prime investment opportunities: agriculture, tourism, and mining. These sectors not only hold the promise of economic revitalization but also serve as catalysts for sustainable development and job creation within Plateau State.

However, the engagement didn’t stop there. Diasporans, eager to contribute meaningfully to their homeland’s progress, raised pertinent questions regarding the state’s strategy for optimizing and mobilizing finance for critical initiatives such as power generation, data gathering for economic development, the development of a pipeline of bankable projects, and facilitating knowledge transfer as well as de-risking investments.

Governor Mutfwang responded with a comprehensive outline of his administration’s vision and actionable plans:

• Finance for Power Generation: Recognizing the indispensable role of reliable power supply in driving economic growth, the state government is committed to exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), off-grid solutions to bolster investment in power generation infrastructure. Moreover, strategic collaborations with diaspora investors possessing expertise in renewable energy technologies are being actively pursued.
• Data Gathering for Economic Development: In an era dominated by data-driven decision-making, Plateau State acknowledges the imperative of robust data infrastructure for informed policy formulation and resource allocation. Governor Mutfwang affirmed his administration’s resolve to bolster data collection and analysis capabilities through strategic partnerships with diaspora experts in fields such as data science, analytics, and technology.
• Pipeline of Bankable Projects: To attract and retain diaspora investments, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of cultivating a robust pipeline of bankable projects across key sectors. The state is planning to open a trade office in DC – an experience center targeted at outreach initiatives where they aim to showcase investment-ready opportunities while providing transparent and streamlined processes for project evaluation and implementation.
• Facilitating Knowledge Transfer and De-risking Investments: Recognizing the significance of knowledge exchange in fostering sustainable development, Plateau State is committed to facilitating the transfer of expertise and best practices from the diaspora community to local stakeholders. Moreover, the government is exploring mechanisms to de-risk investments through policy reforms, regulatory incentives, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing investor confidence.

In essence, the Nigerian Professionals Network Roundtable with Governor Mutfwang served as a beacon of hope and collaboration, epitomizing the transformative potential of diaspora-driven investments in shaping Nigeria’s future. As stakeholders continue to forge ahead on this collective journey, the seeds of progress planted during this dialogue are poised to blossom into tangible, inclusive prosperity for Plateau State and beyond.