Nigerian Communications Commission reaffirms commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau state

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully leverage its mandate to deliver broadband access to underserved communities, which it said is central to its broader efforts of improving access to the opportunities that robust connectivity can unlock.

Penpushing reports that the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, made this known during a visit to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.

The Commissioner 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.

‘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”, Makama said.

“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 added.

Penpushing further reports that Makama explained that the visit was the beginning of a conversation and that the commission 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 commission’s Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across Plateau’s local government area

The Executive Commissioner 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, pointing out 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.

Penpushing also reports that Makama emphasized that such policy alignment is critical to building the infrastructure foundation required for sustainable digital development.

The 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.

Penpushing reports that the Governor in his remarks commended the commission’s recognition of Plateau State’s digital potential, and 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.

Penpushing further reports that 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.

The Governor, highlighting the economic opportunities within the digital sector, 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.

Penpushing also reports that Caleb stressed the urgency required to seize these time-sensitive opportunities and avoid losing competitive advantage.

The Governor equally 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.

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