Plateau assembly opposes proposed relocation of ITF headquarters from Jos
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Plateau State House of Assembly has strongly opposed the proposed relocation of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) headquarters from Jos, warning that such a move would have far-reaching socio-economic and historical consequences for the state.
Rising under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance during Thursday’s plenary, Member representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki (SAN), called on both the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to immediately halt any plans to move the agency’s headquarters.
Prof. Maiyaki noted that the relocation would strip Plateau State of a major federal presence, undermine economic activities tied to the institution, lead to job losses, and erode the historical identity and pride associated with the ITF’s establishment in Jos.
He further cautioned that ongoing training programmes and long-standing partnerships nurtured in the state over decades would be severely disrupted.
The lawmaker urged the Assembly to pass a strong resolution mandating the State Government to urgently liaise with the Federal Government to stop the move. He also called for relevant House Committees to engage with the ITF leadership, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and other stakeholders to ensure the headquarters remains in Jos.
According to him, “The ITF is not just a federal institution; it is a legacy in Plateau State. Its continued presence in Jos is a matter of fairness, equity, and recognition of Plateau’s role in national development. Let us rise as one voice to safeguard our heritage and protect the economic interests of our people.”
After extensive deliberations on the matter, the House, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, upheld all the prayers in the motion and resolved to communicate its position to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the ITF Governing Council, as part of efforts to ensure the headquarters remains in the Plateau State capital.
Also at plenary, a notice of motion was moved by the Member representing Shendam Constituency, Hon. Joseph Bukar, calling on the executive to come to the aid of communities in his constituency devastated by the effects of heavy rainfall. The motion was seconded by Hon. Theodore Maiyaki, representing Qua’an-Pan South.
Following deliberations, the House directed the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Energy, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other relevant agencies to urgently assist the affected communities, mitigate future occurrences, and provide succour to residents who lost their means of livelihood.
In another development, a bill for a law to regulate arrangements for surrogacy in Plateau State and other related matters, 2025, sponsored by Hon. Theodore Maiyaki, representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, was presented and taken for first reading.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, commended members for their robust contributions and commitment to protecting the interests of Plateau people.
