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| Photo shows l-r: Deputy Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC, Lawrence Abang; Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo; Executive Governor, Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Rimini Makama; Director, Digital Economy, NCC, Helen Obi during the Commission’s courtesy visit on the Plateau State Governor in Jos, Plateau State. |
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has doubled down on its mission to bring high-speed broadband to Nigeria’s underserved areas, hailing it as key to unlocking economic and social opportunities through reliable connectivity.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, drove this message home during a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.
Makama positioned Plateau as a vital ally in Nigeria’s broadband push, spotlighting the state’s robust education sector, thriving innovation hubs, vibrant youth demographic, and pro-digital policies that pave the way for transformation.
Ms. Makama, in a press release signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head, Public Affairs unit of the NCC, 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.”
“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,” she declared.
She further stated that the visit was “the beginning of a conversation” and that the 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 the NCCs Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across Plateau's LGAs.”
Ms. Makama said the Commission’s recognition of Plateau State is 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 remain underserved and excluded from the benefits of reliable connectivity.
She noted that the persistence of access gaps in such communities continues to limit opportunities for education, enterprise, innovation, and access to digital services.
Receiving the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management of the NCC, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, 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.
The Governor emphasized the need to move from policy discussions to practical, high-impact implementation, particularly in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence. He noted 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 with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment statewide.
Highlighting the economic opportunities within the digital sector, Governor Mutfwang announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative designed to create jobs for at least 500 young people who will work remotely from Jos. He stressed the urgency required to seize these time-sensitive opportunities and avoid losing competitive advantage.
The Governor further underscored the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, expressing concern over outdated administrative practices and emphasized the need for rapid adoption of modern, technology-driven systems to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.
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