Plateau State has unveiled a five-year policy and action plan to tackle the challenges of climate change in the state beginning from 2026.
The event, which held in Jos on Thursday , was supported by the Centre for Gospel Health and Development in collaboration with the Christian Blind Mission and funded by the European Union.
While flagging off the event, the state Governor Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by his Chief of Staff , Jeremiah Satmark described the document as “a bold roadmap to safeguard livelihoods, restore degraded landscapes, and position Plateau as a leader in climate resilience.”
He noted that the policy prioritises adaptation in agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction while also creating pathways for green jobs and renewable energy investment.
“There is no sector that is not affected by climate change,” Satmak said, while delivering the governor’s message.
“How we are losing our young men. When they mine, they will be attacked. And they will take their resources. We will see how we can address that challenge.”
He disclosed that the policy “received a quick passage from the executive council meeting,” adding: “This government will do everything possible to arrest the looming danger on our people.”
Satmak further urged civil society groups to hold governments accountable, stressing, “I want to call on the civil society to be up and doing and remind the government on the need to ensure its implementation.”
He assured that “ the Plateau State government will work for the success of the action contained in the plan,” even as he appealed for public support, saying: “Let me also call for support from the people to continue to do the good work to enable him do more.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom observed that the policy was a direct response to the worsening environmental realities.
“Over the past decade, atmospheric conditions witnessed profound changes across the globe.
“Rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns have intensified environmental challenges, making climate change one of the most pressing issues in the state,” Gwom lamposted.
He noted that Plateau State is already experiencing “heat waves, drought, desertification, changing rainfall patterns and flooding,” adding that “biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and erratic rainfall patterns have placed immense pressure on livelihood and ecosystem.”
According to the commissioner, the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan (2026–2030) “was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the impact of climate change through mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development strategies.”
He explained further that it “established the necessary legal institutional and strategic foundation to strengthen response, and also introduced clear regulations, standards and incentives aimed at promoting climate-resilient infrastructure, safeguarding natural resources, and enhancing the well-being of the people.”
Gwom stressed that the process was “inclusive and participatory, involving extensive consultations across all 17 local government areas, all ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and community stakeholders.”
He added that “the process ensured gender balance and inclusiveness, with active participation of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.”
He maintained that “The ministry is fully committed to driving the implementation of the policy through strong institutional coordination, strategic partnerships, and continuous stakeholder engagement.”
