Plateau Assembly Appeals to FG to Halt Relocation of ITF Headquarters

Plateau State House of Assembly has urged the Federal Government to reconsider and shelve the plan relocation of the Headquarters of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) from Jos.

This came under matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Prof. Theodore Maiyaki, member representing Quaan-Pan south and chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, during plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion at a plenary which was presided by the Speaker of the 10th Assembly. Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, Prof. Maiyaki said it’s important to draw the attention of the House, the Plateau State Government, and the Federal Government of Nigeria to the matter which he thinks will threaten the socio-economic stability, institutional heritage, and pride of Plateau State if allowed to happen.

He raised concern that the proposed move of the ITF Headquarters from Jos will not only strip Plateau State of a major federal presence but will also undermine the State’s economic activities linked to the institution like loss of jobs and opportunities for the state’s citizens.

He added that moving the Headquarters away from Plateau will also erode the historical identity and pride associated with the ITF’s presence in Jos and will disrupt ongoing training programs and partnerships that have been nurtured in the state over decades.

Prof. Maiyaki therefore, urged the House to pass a strong resolution appealing to the State Government to liaise urgently with the Federal Government to halt any move to relocate the ITF Headquarters.

“Mandate relevant House Committees to engage with ITF leadership, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and other stakeholders to ensure the headquarters remains in Jos.

“Communicate this resolution to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and the ITF Governing Council.”

Mover of the motion said the ITF is not just a federal institution, but a legacy in Plateau hence, Its continued presence in Jos is a matter of fairness, equity, and recognition of Plateau’s role in national development.