NCC targets underserved communities in Plateau with broadband access
From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja Scores of underserved communities in Plateau State are to benefit from broadband access as the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, rolled out strategic programmes to bridge digital
From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
Scores of underserved communities in Plateau State are to benefit from broadband access as the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, rolled out strategic programmes to bridge digital access gaps in the country.
The Commission said the delivery of the strategic programmes are in line with the mandate of the Commission and central to improving access to opportunities that robust connectivity can unlock.
The Commission's Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Ms. Rimini Makama stated this in Jos, Plateau State, during a visit to the Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang.
Makama described Plateau State as a strategic to the advancement of Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, especially for the State’s strong educational base, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy direction that supports digital transformation.
Ms. Makama 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”.
A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, qouted Ms Makama as saying that the NCC has taken notice of certain gaps in many rural areas as they remained underserved and cut off from the digital economy and opportunities that could transform their livelihoods.
She added that NCC would be willing to bridge the gaps as a shared responsibility, and called on the state government to support the Commission's initiatives.
Makama further stated that the visit was the beginning of a conversation capable of alignment with Plateau state’s development agenda for digital innovations and transformation.
She praised the governor for supporting the operationalisation of Right of Way policy, to exploring how the NCCs Universal Service Provision Fund can reach underserved communities across local government councils in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang commended the NCC delegation and the recognition of Plateau State as a potential hub. 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 highlighted the collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on establishing an innovation hub in Plateau State Polytechnic, and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across all the local government areas in the state.
