PLSG Seeks First Bank Partnership to Boost State Economy

By Ralph Madugu

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and First Bank of Nigeria to accelerate economic development in agriculture, mining, energy and rural development.

The Governor made the call on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, when he played host to a delegation of the bank on a courtesy visit to the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, who led the delegation, disclosed that the bank was keen to support agriculture and rural development in the state, while also exploring opportunities in energy, including solar power and power plants, as well as the mining sector.

“It is partnership, and we need to get those things done,” Alebiosu said, noting that while the private sector can drive investments in areas like power generation, government has a critical role in creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He commended the governor for his initiatives despite security challenges in the state and said First Bank, which has 11 branches in Plateau, was determined to deepen its relationship with the state to drive economic empowerment.

Responding, Gov. Mutfwang commended FBN for its transformation over the years, describing it as evidence that innovation and willingness to embrace change can produce remarkable results.

The governor challenged the bank to consider immortalizing the historic legacy of its Terminus branch in Jos, which is associated with the banking history of former British Prime Minister John Major.

Mutfwang also urged the bank to deepen its relationship with Plateau communities, particularly through support for microfinance institutions to expand access to finance at the grassroots.

He recalled the bank’s corporate social responsibility intervention for patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and encouraged more sustainable interventions.

The governor, however, expressed concern over the difficulty of accessing affordable developmental financing, especially for agriculture and infrastructure.

“We can’t expect upscale production as a nation if we are not able to provide the right financing structure for agriculture,” Governor Mutfwang said, stressing the need to move beyond consumption to production and processing.

He expressed hope that First Bank, through its participation in the Bankers’ Committee and other platforms, would help develop financing mechanisms to support production and economic growth in the state.

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