BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State, as part of efforts to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic and social opportunities through improved connectivity.
This position was reiterated on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.
A statement released by Nnenna Ukoha
Head, Public Affairs, said during the visit, the Commission described Plateau State as a strategic and indispensable partner in the advancement of Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing the State’s strong educational base, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy direction that supports digital transformation.
Ms. Makama said, “The NCC has identified Plateau State as a pivotal partner in Nigeria’s broadband agenda; not ceremonially, but strategically. You have the educational institutions, the growing innovation ecosystem at nHub and beyond, the youth talent, and now a Governor whose public commitments; from the Right of Way policy to the TechFest declaration, signal the political will that digital infrastructure demands”.
“We have taken notice. At the same time, we must be honest: many rural LGAs remain underserved, cut off from the digital economy that could transform their livelihoods. Bridging that divide is a shared responsibility, and the NCC is ready to fulfil its part,” she declared.
She further stated that the visit was “the beginning of a conversation” and that the NCC has a genuine desire to explore how its mandate and instruments can align with Plateau state’s “development agenda, from supporting the operationalisation of Right of Way policy, to exploring how the NCCs Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across Plateau’s LGAs.”
Ms. Makama said the Commission’s recognition of Plateau State is based not on symbolism, but on clear indicators of digital potential already visible in the State. She pointed to ongoing reforms, including Right of Way policy support and commitments made by the State Government at the Plateau TechFest, as evidence of the administration’s willingness to create an enabling environment for broadband expansion and innovation-led growth. According to her, such policy alignment is critical to building the infrastructure foundation required for sustainable digital development.
The Executive Commissioner had observed that despite the State’s growing digital promise, many rural Local Government Areas remain underserved and excluded from the benefits of reliable connectivity. She noted that the persistence of access gaps in such communities continues to limit opportunities for education, enterprise, innovation, and access to digital services.
Receiving the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management of the NCC, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, commended the Commission’s recognition of Plateau State’s digital potential. He described the visit as both timely and significant, aligning with the administration’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation.
The Governor emphasized the need to move from policy discussions to practical, high-impact implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence. He noted ongoing initiatives, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on establishing an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic, and an existing Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment statewide.
Highlighting the economic opportunities within the digital sector, Governor Mutfwang announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative designed to create jobs for at least 500 young people who will work remotely from Jos. He stressed the urgency required to seize these time-sensitive opportunities and avoid losing competitive advantage.
The Governor further underscored the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, expressing concern over outdated administrative practices and emphasized the need for rapid adoption of modern, technology-driven systems to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.
