The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau.

The head of public affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ms Ukoha said this was central to NCC’s broader efforts to improve access to the opportunities that robust connectivity could unlock.

“This position was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.”

Meanwhile, during the visit, Ms Makama said that Plateau was a strategic and indispensable partner in the advancement of Nigeria’s national broadband agenda.

She cited the state’s strong educational base, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy direction that supports digital transformation.

She said that the NCC had 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, and the youth talent.

“You have a Governor whose public commitments, from the Right of Way (RoW) policy to the TechFest declaration, signal the political will that digital infrastructure demands.

“We have taken notice. At the same time, we must be honest: many rural Local Government Areas (LGAs) remain underserved, cut off from the digital economy that could transform their livelihoods,” she said.

She said that bridging that divide was a shared responsibility, and the NCC was ready to fulfil its part.

She said that the visit was the beginning of a conversation, adding that the NCC had a genuine desire to explore how its mandate and instruments could align with Plateau’s “development agenda.”

She said this includes supporting the operationalisation of RoW policy and exploring how the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across Plateau’s LGAs.

According to her, the commission’s recognition of Plateau is based not on symbolism, but on clear indicators of digital potential already visible in the state.

She said that the RoW policy support and commitments made by the State’s TechFest were evidence of the administration’s willingness to create an enabling environment for broadband expansion and innovation-led growth.

“Such policy alignment is critical to building the infrastructure foundation required for sustainable digital development.”

The executive commissioner said that in spite of the state’s growing digital promise, many rural LGAs remained underserved and excluded from the benefits of reliable connectivity.

She said that the persistence of access gaps in such communities continued to limit opportunities for education, enterprise, innovation, and access to digital services.

In his response, Mr Mutfwang commended the commission’s recognition of Plateau’s digital potential.

He said that there was a need to move from policy discussions to practical, high-impact implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence.

He said that the ongoing initiatives, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on establishing an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic, Solitran, were meant to accelerate broadband deployment statewide.

The governor announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative designed to create jobs for at least 500 young people who would work remotely from Jos.

He underscored the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.

He said that there was a need for rapid adoption of modern, technology-driven systems to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation. 

(NAN)