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NCC, Plateau Explore Strategic Digital Partnership
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Plateau State Government are exploring a strategic partnership to accelerate digital infrastructure development, broadband expansion and technology-driven job creation in the state.
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Senior officials of the NCC made this known during a courtesy visit to Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, at the New Government House in Rayfield, Jos.
Plateau Targets Technology-Driven Economic Growth
The Plateau State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a technology-driven economy, positioning the state as an emerging digital hub through targeted reforms, partnerships and investments aimed at job creation and sustainable growth.
Discussions during the visit focused on accelerating broadband deployment, leveraging the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock new tech-enabled jobs, particularly for young people.
2025 Declared Year of Digital Innovation
Governor Mutfwang described the NCC delegation’s visit as timely, noting that it aligns with his administration’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Digital Innovation in Plateau State.
“We have engaged in extensive conversations around the digital space. At this stage, our focus must shift from dialogue to action, especially in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence to drive development,” the governor said.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond policy formulation to implementing high-impact digital solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
Broadband, Innovation Hubs and BPO Jobs in Focus
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Mutfwang referenced the state’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on establishing an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic, as well as an existing Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran to accelerate broadband rollout.
He also disclosed plans to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative expected to create jobs for at least 500 youths, enabling remote work opportunities from Jos. According to him, such opportunities are time-sensitive and must be seized promptly to maintain competitiveness.
Call for Whole-of-Government Digital Transformation
The governor called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to digital transformation, noting that technology cuts across all sectors of governance. He emphasised the need to phase out outdated administrative practices and accelerate e-governance.
“It is no longer acceptable to rely on outdated tools in the 21st century when the rest of the world has embraced digital solutions. Accelerating e-governance will enhance service delivery, promote transparency, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation,” he said.
NCC Flags Plateau as Strategic Digital Partner
Earlier, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, described the visit as both official and personal, noting her strong ties to Plateau State.
She said Plateau was deliberately chosen for her first courtesy visit, underscoring the NCC’s recognition of the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s digital landscape. While acknowledging Plateau’s strong educational institutions and emerging innovation ecosystem, Makama expressed concern over limited digital infrastructure in many rural communities.
“Many rural communities remain underserved and disconnected from the opportunities that digital connectivity can provide,” she noted.
Leveraging USPF and Right-of-Way Support
Makama assured the Plateau State Government of the NCC’s readiness to collaborate closely and align regulatory instruments with the state’s development priorities. She highlighted the Commission’s willingness to deploy tools such as Right-of-Way (RoW) support and the Universal Service Provision Fund to reduce bottlenecks and expand connectivity.
“This visit marks the beginning of a strategic engagement. Plateau State is at a moment of genuine possibility, and the NCC is ready to partner with the government to translate that potential into tangible outcomes,” she said.
Key Outcomes from the Engagement
- Infrastructure Development: Accelerated broadband rollout, especially in underserved rural communities
- Digital Innovation: AI adoption, smart technologies and a proposed BPO centre to drive youth employment
- Regulatory Support: Use of NCC instruments, including RoW facilitation and USPF interventions
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with UNDP and private sector players to strengthen the innovation ecosystem
