NCC Targets Underserved Communities, Partners Plateau To Expand Broadband Access
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities, describing connectivity as critical to unlocking economic and social opportunities.
This position was restated on Monday when the NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, paid a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.
Makama said Plateau State has been identified as a “strategic and indispensable partner” in advancing Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing its strong educational institutions, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and supportive digital policies.
She noted that the state’s Right of Way policy and commitments made during Plateau TechFest demonstrate the political will needed to drive digital infrastructure development.
Despite these advantages, Makama acknowledged that many rural local government areas in Plateau remain underserved and excluded from the digital economy, stressing that bridging the connectivity gap is a shared responsibility.
“The NCC is ready to fulfil its part,” she said, adding that the visit marks the beginning of deeper collaboration to align the Commission’s mandate with the state’s development agenda.
She disclosed that the NCC is exploring ways to deploy its Universal Service Provision Fund to extend connectivity to underserved communities across the state, while supporting the implementation of enabling policies.
Responding, Governor Caleb Mutfwang welcomed the Commission’s recognition of Plateau’s digital potential, describing the visit as timely and in line with his administration’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation.
He called for a shift from policy discussions to concrete implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, and highlighted ongoing partnerships, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic.
The governor also revealed an existing agreement with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across the state.
Mutfwang further announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative expected to create at least 500 remote jobs for youths in Jos, emphasizing the urgency of leveraging digital opportunities.
He stressed the need for a coordinated, technology-driven approach to governance, warning against outdated administrative practices and calling for reforms to improve service delivery and support growth in e-commerce and innovation.
