Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully leverage its mandate to deliver broadband access to underserved communities. NCC said this was central to its broader effort to improve access to the opportunities that robust connectivity could unlock.
The commission made the commitment during a courtesy visit by its Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, to Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at Government House, Jos.
During the visit, NCC 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 support digital transformation.
Makama said, “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.”
She added, “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.”
Makama said the visit was the beginning of a conversation, stressing that NCC 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 NCCs Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) can reach underserved communities across local government areas in the state.
Makama said the commission’s recognition of Plateau State was based not on symbolism, but on clear indicators of digital potential already visible in the state. She pointed 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. According to her, such policy alignment is critical to building the infrastructure foundation required for sustainable digital development.
The executive commissioner had observed that despite the state’s growing digital promise, many rural local government areas remained underserved and excluded from the benefits of reliable connectivity. She stated that the persistence of access gaps in such communities continued to limit opportunities for education, enterprise, innovation, and access to digital services.
The governor commended the commission’s recognition of Plateau State’s digital potential. He described the visit as both timely and significant, aligning with the administration’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation.
Mutfwang emphasised the need to move from policy discussions to practical, high-impact implementation, particularly in emerging areas, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stated that 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 (MoU) with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment state-wide.
Emma Okonji
