By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its pledge to extend broadband services to underserved communities in Plateau State, signalling a stronger drive to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and unlock economic opportunities in rural areas.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a visit by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Jos, Plateau State. 
Describing Plateau as a key player in Nigeria’s digital future, Makama said the state’s growing innovation culture and youthful population make it an essential partner in expanding connectivity.
She added that while progress is evident, significant gaps remain, particularly in rural communities.
She 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”.
According to Makama, the visit marks the start of deeper collaboration between the Commission and the Plateau State Government.
She said it was “the beginning of a conversation” and that the NCC is keen to align its tools and mandate with the state’s development priorities, “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.”
The Commission maintained that its interest in Plateau is driven by clear signs of digital readiness, including policy reforms and commitments made during the state’s TechFest, which it believes are laying the groundwork for sustainable, innovation-led growth.
Despite these gains, NCC Executive Commissioner acknowledged that limited connectivity in several local government areas continues to restrict access to education, business opportunities and essential digital services.
In response, Governor Mutfwang welcomed the Commission’s engagement, describing it as both timely and significant, particularly as Plateau positions itself as a hub for digital innovation.
He stressed the need to translate policy into tangible outcomes, especially in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while highlighting ongoing partnerships, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic.
The governor also disclosed plans for a Business Process Outsourcing initiative aimed at creating at least 500 remote jobs for young people in Jos, noting the urgency of acting quickly to secure such opportunities.
He further called for a coordinated, government-wide approach to digital transformation, warning that outdated administrative systems must give way to modern, technology-driven processes capable of improving governance and expanding opportunities in e-commerce and innovation.
The engagement underscores a growing alignment between federal regulators and state governments as Nigeria intensifies efforts to expand broadband access and build a more inclusive digital economy.
