The Plateau State Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for harnessing the potential of the Orange Economy to drive job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in the state.
The roadmap was presented at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, during the ongoing Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to positioning Plateau as a leading destination for culture, tourism and creative enterprise in Nigeria.
Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Commissioner for Information and Communication and Supervising Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, said the administration’s “Time Is Now” agenda recognises the creative and cultural industries as important drivers of economic growth and youth empowerment.
Ramnap said Plateau’s diverse cultural heritage, comprising more than 50 ethnic groups, numerous festivals, heritage sites and creative traditions, provides a strong foundation for developing a vibrant Orange Economy.
She also identified the presence of federal institutions, including the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film Institute, as strategic assets capable of supporting the growth of the state’s creative industry.
According to her, the government has already introduced measures to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and investors, including a N4 billion MSME matching fund established in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
She said Executive Order No. 10 of 2024, which provides a framework for public-private partnerships, is also expected to strengthen investment and collaboration in the creative and tourism sectors.
Ramnap disclosed that the government is working to revive major tourism assets, including Hill Station Hotel, Plateau Hotel and Jos Wildlife Park, as part of efforts to reposition the state as a major tourism destination.
She further announced the designation of December as Plateau’s official tourism month, describing it as part of the government’s strategy to showcase the state’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions and creative talents to local and international audiences.
Presenting the findings of Study Group 4, the Lead Presenter, Group Captain Chinedu Mbam, said the group’s study on “The Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” identified Plateau as one of the states with significant potential for creative and cultural economic development.
Mbam, however, noted that the state would need to address challenges relating to funding, security and legal frameworks to fully harness the potential of the sector.
The study group recommended the fast-tracking of the Tourism and Creative Sector Master Plan, as well as the enactment of the Creative Industry Development Agency Bill 2026 to provide stronger institutional and legal support for the sector.
The Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, represented by the Acting Director of Studies, Nima Salman Mann, mni, commended the Plateau State Government for its cooperation with the institute and for the state’s rich cultural endowments.
He said the state’s diverse cultural resources provide significant opportunities for economic development if properly harnessed through strategic policies and investments.
Also present at the event were representatives of the Nigerian Film Corporation and National Film Institute, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, the Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, the Permanent Secretary, Policy and General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, and the Special Adviser on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
Ramnap assured the participants that the recommendations arising from the study would be presented to Governor Mutfwang for consideration and possible implementation.
She added that the administration remains open to partnerships with relevant institutions, investors and stakeholders to commercialise Plateau’s cultural assets, strengthen the creative economy and create sustainable opportunities for young people
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