The Nigerian Communications Commission has restated its resolve to expand broadband access to underserved communities, placing connectivity at the heart of economic inclusion and digital opportunity.
The renewed commitment was announced during a high level visit by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms Rimini Makama, to the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, at Government House in Jos.
The engagement signals a deepening partnership aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, with Plateau identified as a critical frontier for digital growth.
Makama described the state as strategically positioned, citing its strong academic institutions, emerging innovation hubs and a vibrant youth population ready to power a digital economy.
She noted that policy signals from the state government, including Right of Way reforms and its TechFest commitments, reflect a clear readiness to embrace technology driven development.
Despite these gains, the Commission warned that many rural local government areas remain cut off from reliable connectivity, limiting access to education, enterprise and digital services.
Makama said bridging this divide requires coordinated action, stressing that the Commission is prepared to deploy its instruments, including the Universal Service Provision Fund, to close the access gap.
She framed the visit as the start of a sustained engagement designed to align federal regulatory tools with Plateau’s development priorities and unlock scalable impact.
Responding, Mutfwang welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and consistent with his administration’s designation of 2025 as a year of digital innovation.
He urged a shift from policy to execution, revealing ongoing collaborations with development partners to establish innovation infrastructure and expand broadband reach across the state.
The governor also unveiled plans for a business process outsourcing initiative expected to generate at least 500 remote jobs for youths in Jos, warning that delays could erode emerging opportunities.
He further called for a coordinated government wide transition to modern digital systems, arguing that rapid adoption of technology is essential to improve governance, drive e commerce and secure Plateau’s place in a fast evolving digital landscape.