By,giwa alex, Jos

Plateau State has surged into the spotlight as a prime destination for the Netherlands’ agricultural and development cooperation, following the bold diplomatic push of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The momentum began in September 2025 when Governor Mutfwang embarked on a strategic visit to the Netherlands, a move that Dutch officials now describe as a “turning point” in bilateral cooperation.
That visit immediately triggered matchmaking efforts linking Dutch agribusiness firms with stakeholders across Plateau’s agricultural value chains.
The impact of that diplomacy became evident on Monday 24th November 2025 as the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Touching down in Plateau for the first time in 15 years, the Dutch envoy expressed astonishment at the state’s transformation.
Describing the environment as “refreshing and conducive for investment,” Sonnemans praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership for repositioning Plateau State as an emerging agricultural powerhouse.
Earlier in the day, Sonnemans visited Plateau’s bustling potato market, where he was particularly struck by the strong involvement of women in wholesale and distribution, supplying not only Nigerian cities but also neighbouring countries.
He highlighted the state’s “great climate, fantastic soil, and dedicated workforce,” declaring these as natural advantages that make Plateau ideal for deeper Dutch cooperation.
Governor Mutfwang, receiving the delegation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Netherlands,globally renowned for cutting-edge agricultural innovation.
“We saw a small country with a small population but with a big heart,” he said, recalling his visit to the Netherlands.
“What we witnessed in terms of agricultural advancement is something we yearn to be part of.”
The Governor outlined two central pillars for collaboration :
strengthening the potato value chain and improving the livestock sector.
He emphasized that Plateau State already possesses the land, favourable climate, and human capacity required to unlock large-scale agricultural value,what had been missing, he said, was political will.
“That political will is now here,” Governor Mutfwang declared. “We are committed to raising the level of collaboration between the government of the Netherlands and the government of Plateau State.”
He further affirmed his resolve to transform Plateau into a competitive agricultural hub capable of attracting international investment, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and securing food systems.
The Dutch delegation included officials from the Consulate-General in Lagos, the Agricultural Office in Accra, the Embassy in Abuja, as well as senior Plateau State Government officials.
With both governments reaffirming their commitment, Plateau State is steadily positioning itself as a model for agricultural innovation, investment, and international cooperation under Governor Mutfwang’s dynamic leadership.
By,giwa alex, Jos
Plateau State has surged into the spotlight as a prime destination for the Netherlands’ agricultural and development cooperation, following the bold diplomatic push of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The momentum began in September 2025 when Governor Mutfwang embarked on a strategic visit to the Netherlands, a move that Dutch officials now describe as a “turning point” in bilateral cooperation.
That visit immediately triggered matchmaking efforts linking Dutch agribusiness firms with stakeholders across Plateau’s agricultural value chains.
The impact of that diplomacy became evident on Monday 24th November 2025 as the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Touching down in Plateau for the first time in 15 years, the Dutch envoy expressed astonishment at the state’s transformation.
Describing the environment as “refreshing and conducive for investment,” Sonnemans praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership for repositioning Plateau State as an emerging agricultural powerhouse.
Earlier in the day, Sonnemans visited Plateau’s bustling potato market, where he was particularly struck by the strong involvement of women in wholesale and distribution, supplying not only Nigerian cities but also neighbouring countries.
He highlighted the state’s “great climate, fantastic soil, and dedicated workforce,” declaring these as natural advantages that make Plateau ideal for deeper Dutch cooperation.
Governor Mutfwang, receiving the delegation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Netherlands,globally renowned for cutting-edge agricultural innovation.
“We saw a small country with a small population but with a big heart,” he said, recalling his visit to the Netherlands.
“What we witnessed in terms of agricultural advancement is something we yearn to be part of.”
The Governor outlined two central pillars for collaboration :
strengthening the potato value chain and improving the livestock sector.
He emphasized that Plateau State already possesses the land, favourable climate, and human capacity required to unlock large-scale agricultural value,what had been missing, he said, was political will.
“That political will is now here,” Governor Mutfwang declared. “We are committed to raising the level of collaboration between the government of the Netherlands and the government of Plateau State.”
He further affirmed his resolve to transform Plateau into a competitive agricultural hub capable of attracting international investment, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and securing food systems.
The Dutch delegation included officials from the Consulate-General in Lagos, the Agricultural Office in Accra, the Embassy in Abuja, as well as senior Plateau State Government officials.
With both governments reaffirming their commitment, Plateau State is steadily positioning itself as a model for agricultural innovation, investment, and international cooperation under Governor Mutfwang’s dynamic leadership.
















































































































































































































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