The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating broadband access across underserved communities in Nigeria.
The position was emphasised during a courtesy visit by Rimini Makama, NCC’s executive commissioner for stakeholder management, to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Jos, Plateau State.
During the meeting, the NCC described Plateau State as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s broadband agenda, highlighting the state’s strong educational institutions, innovation hubs such as nHub, and a youthful, tech-savvy population. Makama added that the government’s policies and initiatives, including the Right of Way framework and the TechFest, reflect a clear commitment to supporting the development of digital infrastructure.
She acknowledged, however, that significant gaps remain. “Many rural Local Government Areas are still underserved, cut off from the digital economy that could transform livelihoods. Bridging that divide is a shared responsibility, and the NCC is ready to play its part,” she said.
The NCC executive further described the visit as the start of an ongoing dialogue, aimed at aligning the commission’s mandate with Plateau State’s development priorities. Initiatives under discussion include supporting the operationalisation of the Right of Way policy and deploying the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund to expand connectivity in underserved communities across the state.
Makama highlighted that Plateau’s recognition stems from tangible indicators of digital potential rather than symbolism. “Ongoing reforms, policy support, and commitments made at Plateau TechFest reflect the state government’s readiness to create an enabling environment for broadband expansion and innovation-driven growth,” she noted.
Despite these prospects, Makama emphasised that access gaps persist in rural areas, limiting opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital service delivery.
Governor Mutfwang, in response, called for a shift from policy formulation to practical implementation, particularly in emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence.
He stressed the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, warning that outdated administrative practices must give way to modern, technology-driven systems to improve governance, service delivery, and participation in the digital economy.
