What We Do

Research

We undertake researches with support from CIPE on socio-economic issues and provide policy recommendations for identified priority issues hindering economic growth and development in the state. Since inception, the coalition has conducted two researches to produce the Plateau State Business Agenda in 2016 and a revised Business Agenda in 2019 using consultants as appropriate.

  1. A research carried out in 2016 to assist in the development of a realistic and workable Business Agenda (BA). This involved the design of methodology, report structure and questionnaires and conduct of field survey on four (4) priority issues as follows:
    (a) Lack of Peace and Security
    (b) Multiple taxation
    (c) Cumbersome Land administration
    (d) Lack of Central market(S)The research process lasted from November 2015 to February 2016 including the collation and analysis of data which culminated in the preparation of a full research report with appropriate policy recommendations.
  2. Review of the Business Agenda (BA) report of 2016 carried out in 2018. The review was preceded by field research which covered four strategic locations in the three senatorial districts in Plateau State. The revised Plateau State Business Agenda was launched in 2019.
Presentation of Plateau state business agenda to a government stakeholder

Advocacy

PLACOBPA engages with the Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the implementation of policy recommendations contained in the SBAs. Policy recommendations from relevant research findings (2016 & 2019 policy recommendations documents) were implemented through advocacy with government and its relevant agencies and also the private sector business community all geared towards creating a conducive and favorable business environment. PLACOBPA conducts its advocacy interventions through policy centered dialogues, advocacy visits to identified relevant ministries, departments and agencies, and the state government. The aim of our advocacy is to contribute to policy reforms for the socio-economic development of the state. We believe through advocacy and regular interactions with the state government, policies can be reformed and implemented to improve the economy of the state.

Public- Private Dialogue

PLACOBPA encourages interactions between the state and the public. We believe this is necessary for the public to contribute to socio-economic conversations and express their options on issues affecting the economy of the state and on the other hand, an opportunity for the state to share their work plan on economic growth and development. PLACOBPA conducts its public-private dialogue in various ways such as the gubernatorial debate which has been conducted twice in 2015 and 2019. This provided the opportunity to engage with political aspirants to engage in evidence-based discussions on the socio-economic position of the state

Impact

PLACOBPA advocacy visit to Peacebuilding agency

Verifiable Success Stories of the Coalition’s Program and Activities

  1. There is more relative peace on the Plateau presently. This is partly due to the advocacy carried out by PLACOBPA. The relative peace has created a more favorable and conducive business environment. PLACOBPA contributions based on the outcome of the research undertaken in 2016, and the advocacy carried out in line with the policy recommendations which called for sustenance of the peace and security achieved by Plateau State Government no doubt led to relative peace on the Plateau. This was achieved using of dialogue to resolve conflict situations and the establishment of the peace and reconciliation committee which eventually transformed into the Plateau State peace agency which has sustained the peace building over the years.
  2. In the area of cumbersome land administration, PLACOBPA’s recommendations contributed in the significant improvement of land administration in the state in the following areas:
    • Full take-off of the Plateau Geographical information system – PLAGIS which has drastically improved Land administration in the state, reducing the timeline from an undefined timeline to an average of about six months to obtain a land title (C of O)
    • The governor of Plateau State approved 50% promotional waver for acquiring land titles in the state. The reduction in the cost of acquiring certificate of occupancy was a deliberate policy aimed at giving incentives to investors to invest in the state. Thus, the cost of processing C of O and ground rents has been reduced by 50% from what was prevailing.
    • There is visible improvement in the delays in processing land documentation and land administration generally. The Governor on the 29th May, 2016 issued 55,000 certificates of occupancy to land owners who had not received their certificates for over 10 years. This has led to significant improvement in revenue generation of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town planning.
  3. In the area of Multiple Taxation, PLACOBPA’s recommendations also contributed to a large extent to the passage of 9 Tax reform bills for tax harmonization known as the Plateau State Revenue (codification and consolidation) law of 2016 by the Plateau State House of Assembly. This went a long way in expanding the collectable tax base and drastically improved the states IGR and reduced drastically the incidence of multiple taxation which has continued to be a burden on many PLACOBPA members.
  4. In the area of lack of central markets, PLACOBPA’s advocacy contributed in making significant progress in the process of rebuilding the famous Terminus Market also known as “Main Market”. PLACOBPA advocated further that neighborhood markets be established in strategic locations within Jos/ Bukuru metropolis to enable easy and more access to markets by residents to decongest the city center. Occupancy and patronage of the Rukuba road Satellite market has drastically improved.
  5. PLACOBPA and its members are currently being involved in policy formulation discuss in the state (The PLACOBPA chairman participated in the last Zoom Plateau Economic Advisory Council Economic Policy meeting sometimes in October, 2020).
  6. PLACOBPA also participated in the Executive Governors Business interaction meeting held at the Government House, Little Rayfield in January, 2021- the PLACOBPA chairman spoke well at the event and touched many areas that affect the business arena on the Plateau which if attended to will go a long way in improving the business environment for PLACOBPA membership organizations to thrive.
  7. PLACOBPA has become a key player in the economic sector by participating in the Trade fair, Business enabling Environment Dialogues with Government.
  8. PLACOBPA is now involved/ invited to participate in Government/ Business recited activities.
  9. PLACOBPA is now Instrumental to the creation of:
    • Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA).
    • Plateau State Peace Building Agency.
    • Plateau State One Stop Investment Centre (PS-OSIC).
  10. PLACOBPA has been involved in various legislative processes such as the bill for Plateau State Cooperative Development agency.
  11. PLACOBPA advocacy on the need for a Central Market contributed to the Commencement of preliminary works on the Jos main market reconstruction.