By Solomon Liman Ahore.
Plateau State has stepped up its march toward a digital economy, with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang unveiling an ambitious roadmap anchored on innovation, broadband expansion, and job creation.
The governor made the declaration while receiving the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission, Rimini Haraya Makama, at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Describing the visit as “timely and strategic,” Mutfwang said Plateau is shifting from policy rhetoric to real action, with a clear focus on harnessing Artificial Intelligence and digital tools to drive development.
“We have talked enough. This is the moment for implementation especially in leveraging Artificial Intelligence for economic growth,” the governor declared.
He also described the visit as both timely and strategic, aligning with his administration’s declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation.
According to him, the state is transitioning from policy dialogue to concrete action, particularly in leveraging Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to drive economic development.
“We have engaged extensively in conversations around the digital space. At this stage, our focus must shift from dialogue to action, especially in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence,” the governor said.
Mutfwang revealed that the state is expanding its digital infrastructure through partnerships, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic. He also referenced an existing Memorandum of Understanding with Solitran aimed at accelerating broadband deployment.
The governor noted that Plateau must act swiftly to take advantage of ongoing federal broadband expansion initiatives, warning that delays could cost the state valuable opportunities in the digital economy.
As part of efforts to tackle unemployment, he announced plans to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative expected to create no fewer than 500 jobs for youths, enabling them to work remotely from Jos.
“These opportunities are time-sensitive and must be seized promptly to avoid losing competitive advantage,” he cautioned.
Mutfwang further called for a coordinated, whole of government approach to digital transformation, stressing that reliance on outdated administrative systems was no longer acceptable.
“It is no longer acceptable to depend on obsolete tools in a rapidly evolving digital world. Accelerating e-governance will improve service delivery, promote transparency, and unlock opportunities in e-commerce and innovation,” he added.
Earlier, Makama said her visit was both official and personal, noting that Plateau State holds strategic importance in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
She observed that while the state boasts strong educational institutions and a growing innovation ecosystem, many rural communities remain underserved in terms of digital infrastructure.
“The NCC has identified Plateau State as a key partner in advancing Nigeria’s broadband agenda. However, many rural communities are still disconnected from digital opportunities,” she said.
Makama assured the state government of the Commission’s readiness to align its interventions with Plateau’s development priorities, including leveraging right-of-way support and the Universal Service Provision Fund to expand connectivity.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership. Plateau is at a critical point in its digital journey, and the NCC is committed to supporting the state in translating its potential into tangible outcomes,” she stated.
Makama said her choice of Plateau for her first courtesy visit underscores its growing importance in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“Plateau stands at a moment of real possibility. With the right partnerships, this vision can translate into tangible outcomes,” she added.
