NCC pledges broadband expansion in Plateau’s underserved communities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State as part of efforts to deepen digital connectivity and unlock economic opportunities.

The assurance was given on Monday when the NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

Makama said the Commission views Plateau State as a strategic partner in advancing Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing the state’s strong educational institutions, growing innovation ecosystem and youthful population as key factors that support digital transformation.

She noted that the NCC’s recognition of the state is based on its potential to drive digital growth, particularly through policy initiatives such as the Right of Way policy and commitments made during the Plateau TechFest.

“The NCC has identified Plateau State as a pivotal partner in Nigeria’s broadband agenda, not ceremonially but strategically,” she said, adding that the state possesses the human capital and policy direction required to support digital infrastructure development.

However, Makama acknowledged that several rural local government areas in the state remain underserved and disconnected from the digital economy.

According to her, bridging the digital divide in those communities is essential to improving access to education, enterprise opportunities, innovation and digital services.

She said the visit marked the beginning of discussions aimed at aligning the Commission’s mandate with Plateau State’s development agenda, including exploring ways the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund could be deployed to improve connectivity in underserved areas.

Makama also emphasised the importance of policy alignment in building the infrastructure foundation necessary for sustainable digital development.

Responding, Governor Mutfwang commended the NCC for recognising Plateau State’s digital potential and described the visit as timely, noting that his administration had declared 2025 as the year of digital innovation in the state.

The governor stressed the need to translate policy commitments into concrete actions, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub at the Plateau State Polytechnic, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across the state.

Mutfwang also disclosed plans to launch a Business Process Outsourcing initiative expected to create remote job opportunities for at least 500 young people in Jos.

He emphasised the need for urgency in harnessing opportunities in the digital sector, warning that delays could result in the loss of competitive advantage.

The governor further called for a coordinated government-wide approach to digital transformation, noting that outdated administrative processes must give way to modern technology-driven systems that can enhance governance, improve service delivery and expand opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.