ITF debunks rumours of plan to relocate headquarters from Jos

The management of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has refuted reports making rounds that plans are in the pipeline to relocate the organisation’s headquarters from Jos, Plateau State capital.

The refutal was contained in a statement signed by the agency’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, made available to journalists in Jos on Friday.

It reads: “The attention of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has been drawn to reports of alleged attempts to relocate its headquarters.

“These reports stem from a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised during a recent plenary session of the Plateau State House of Assembly by the member representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency, Hon. Theodore Bala Maiyaki.

“While the ITF appreciates the efforts of the Honourable Member to represent his constituency and Plateau State as required by his office, his motion in this instance was unnecessarily alarmist, based on false information, and risks harming the cordial and harmonious relationship that has historically existed between the ITF and the people of Plateau State.”

To address any doubts or potential ill-will caused by the motion, the ITF stressed, “There is no proposed relocation of the ITF headquarters from Jos, despite the Honourable Member’s claims.

“The relocation of agencies involves several processes, none of which have been contemplated by the responsible authorities within the ITF critical to such decisions.

“Neither the Management nor the Governing Council of the ITF, nor the supervising Ministry—the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment—has considered any speculated relocation.

“On the contrary, the ITF deeply values its longstanding historical ties and socio-economic contributions to Plateau State, which have been integral to its identity since 1976, when the Fund’s headquarters was relocated from Lagos to Jos.

“The ITF remains committed to fostering industrial and economic growth in Plateau State and Nigeria, with Jos as the central hub for its operations in the foreseeable future.

“The Fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.

“In light of the above, the ITF reaffirms its commitment to its heritage and responsibilities in Jos and urges the public to disregard rumours of relocation as unfounded and misleading.”