By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, March 26, ’26 (TNZ) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver broadband access to underserved communities, especially in Plateau State.
TheNewsZenith reports that Nnenna Ukoha, NCC’s Head, Public Affairs, announced this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ukoha noted that providing access to underserved communities “ is central to its broader efforts of improving access to the opportunities that unlock robust connectivity’’.
According to the statement, NCC reiterated this position when its Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Ms Rimini Makama, paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang in Jos, on Monday.
The Commission described Plateau State as a strategic and indispensable partner in the advancement of Nigeria’s national broadband agenda.
It cited 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 Hub 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.
`We have taken notice, and we must be honest,: many rural local government areas remain underserved.
“They are 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,” TheNewsZenith quotes Makama saying.
The visit, according to her, is “the beginning of a conversation” and that the NCC was desirous of exploring its mandate, which aligns with the state’s “development agenda”.
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“We will explore how the NCCs Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across Plateau’s LGAs,’’ she added.
The commissioner said NCC’s recognition of Plateau “is based on clear indicators of digital potential already visible in the State”.
Receiving the Executive Commissioner, Gov. Mutfwang, commended the NCC’s recognition of Plateau State’s digital potential.
The governor described the visit as timely and significant, aligning with his administration’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation.
He emphasised the need to move from policy discussions to practical, high-impact implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence.
Mutfwang noted, with delight, some ongoing initiatives in the state. These include the establishment of an innovation hub at the Plateau State Polytechnic, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He also cited an existing Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment statewide.
The governor highlighted the economic opportunities within the digital sector.
He announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative. The BPO is designed to create jobs for 500 youths, who will work remotely from Jos.
Mutfwang further underscored the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.
He, however, expressed concern over outdated administrative practices in the state civil service.
The governor emphasised the need for rapid adoption of modern, technology-driven systems to enhance good governance, improve service delivery, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation. (TNZ)
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