The Nigerian Communications Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State as part of efforts to enhance digital connectivity and unlock economic opportunities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Public Affairs at the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, who said the initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader objective of improving access to opportunities enabled by robust connectivity.
The commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at the NCC, Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.
Makama described Plateau State as a strategic and indispensable partner in advancing Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing its strong educational institutions, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy direction supporting digital transformation.
She stated that the Commission had identified Plateau as a pivotal partner in the country’s broadband drive, emphasising that the designation was based on strategic considerations rather than ceremonial recognition.
“You have the educational institutions, the growing innovation ecosystem and the youth talent.
“You have a Governor whose public commitments, from the Right of Way (RoW) 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 Local Government Areas (LGAs) remain underserved, cut off from the digital economy that could transform their livelihoods,” she said.
Makama noted that bridging the digital divide requires shared responsibility, adding that the NCC is prepared to play its role in ensuring wider connectivity.
She explained that the visit marked the beginning of deeper engagement, with the Commission seeking to align its mandate and instruments with Plateau State’s development agenda, including support for the operationalisation of the Right of Way policy and leveraging the Universal Service Provision Fund to extend services to underserved LGAs.
According to her, the Commission’s recognition of Plateau is based on clear indicators of digital potential already visible in the state, particularly the enabling environment created through supportive policies and commitments to innovation-led growth.
She added that despite the progress, many rural LGAs remain excluded from reliable connectivity, limiting access to education, enterprise opportunities, innovation, and digital services.
In his response, Governor Mutfwang commended the Commission’s recognition of the state’s digital potential and called for a shift from policy discussions to practical implementation, especially in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic Solitran, aimed at accelerating broadband deployment across the state.
The governor also announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing initiative designed to create jobs for at least 500 young people who would work remotely from Jos.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, stressing the importance of rapid adoption of modern, technology-driven systems to improve governance, enhance service delivery, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.
