NCC reaffirms commitment to expanding broadband access in Plateau

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State, emphasizing the role of robust connectivity in unlocking economic, educational, and innovation opportunities.

The position was reiterated on Monday during a courtesy visit by the NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

Ms. Makama described Plateau State as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing its strong educational institutions, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and supportive policy environment. “We have taken notice. 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 stated.

She emphasized that the visit marked the beginning of a conversation on how the NCC’s mandate, including the Universal Service Provision Fund, can align with Plateau State’s development agenda to reach underserved communities and support initiatives like Right of Way policy implementation and innovation-led growth.

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the NCC’s engagement, describing the visit as timely and aligned with the State’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation. He emphasized the need to move from policy to implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, and highlighted ongoing initiatives including a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic, as well as an MoU with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across the state.

The Governor also announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative, aimed at creating jobs for at least 500 young people who will work remotely from Jos. He called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, stressing the importance of modern technology adoption to enhance governance, service delivery, and opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both the NCC and Plateau State Government to expand digital infrastructure, close connectivity gaps in rural areas, and foster an enabling environment for innovation-driven growth.