Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has clarified remarks made by President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to Jos, saying the comments about electricity supply were limited to the airport runway and not a reflection of the state’s overall power situation.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, the governor explained that the President’s observation had been widely misinterpreted as suggesting a statewide blackout.
President Tinubu had visited Plateau State following reports of killings in some communities. During his stop at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, he reportedly expressed concern over the absence of lighting on the runway, a remark that generated mixed reactions online.
However, Mutfwang stressed that the comment was specific to the airport facility.
“The President said the airport runway has no light. No one can say Plateau State has no light,” the governor stated.
He maintained that Plateau State remains connected to the national grid and also benefits from additional power sources, including one of the country’s earliest hydroelectric stations.
The governor further noted that the airport is managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, adding that runway lighting has long been a known challenge at the facility.
According to him, efforts are underway to address the issue through collaboration with FAAN.
“Last year, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on how to upgrade the airport to an international cargo airport, and I’m sure when this is fully done, all these issues will be addressed,” he said.
Mutfwang expressed confidence that the planned upgrade would permanently resolve the runway lighting challenge.
