NCC pledges increased broadband access for underserved areas in Plateau

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its determination to leverage its mandate to expand broadband access to underserved communities, describing it as central to unlocking the socioeconomic opportunities that robust connectivity can provide.

The position was reiterated on Monday during a courtesy visit by the NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

During the meeting, Ms. Makama highlighted Plateau State as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing the State’s strong educational institutions, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy framework supportive of digital transformation.

“The NCC has identified Plateau State as a pivotal partner in Nigeria’s broadband agenda, not ceremonially, but strategically,” she said. “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.”

Ms. Makama acknowledged the persistent digital divide in rural Local Government Areas, stressing that many communities remain disconnected from the digital economy.

READ ALSO: NCC proposes 14-day advance notice for SIM deactivation to strengthen consumer protection

“Bridging that divide is a shared responsibility, and the NCC is ready to fulfil its part,” she declared. She emphasized that the visit marked the beginning of a collaborative dialogue to align NCC’s mandate with Plateau State’s development agenda, including operationalising the Right of Way policy and leveraging the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund to reach underserved areas.

The Executive Commissioner underscored that the Commission’s recognition of Plateau State stems from tangible indicators of digital potential, pointing to ongoing reforms and policy commitments as evidence of the State’s readiness to create an enabling environment for broadband expansion and innovation-led growth.

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the NCC’s focus on Plateau State, describing the visit as timely and consistent with his administration’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Digital Innovation.”

He stressed the need to translate policy into practical, high-impact initiatives, particularly in emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence.

The Governor highlighted ongoing collaborations, including a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic, and an existing Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across the State.

He also announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative aimed at creating jobs for at least 500 young people who will work remotely from Jos.

The Governor stressed the urgency of seizing these digital opportunities to maintain competitive advantage and called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.

Governor Mutfwang further highlighted the need to modernize administrative processes, adopt technology-driven governance systems, and enhance service delivery to unlock growth in e-commerce, innovation, and the wider digital economy.

The visit reinforced the NCC’s commitment to ensuring inclusive digital access in Plateau State, particularly for rural communities that have traditionally been excluded from the benefits of broadband connectivity.