The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its mandate to deliver broadband access to underserved communities, which it said is central to its broader efforts of improving access to the opportunities that robust connectivity can unlock.

The position was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Rimini Makama, to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, at Government House, Jos.

During the visit, the commission described Plateau as a strategic and indispensable partner in advancing Nigeria’s national broadband agenda, citing the state’s strong educational base, growing innovation ecosystem, youthful population, and policy direction that supports digital transformation.

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.”

She added: “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.”

Nigeria’s broadband access, according to The Guardian checks, is currently at 53 per cent, after missing the 70 per cent target set for last December, as enshrined in the National Broadband Plan 2020 to 2025.

The governor, on his part, emphasised 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) to establish 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, Mutfwang announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative to create jobs for at least 500 young people who would work remotely from Jos.

He stressed the urgency of seizing these time-sensitive opportunities to avoid losing competitive advantage.