…to implement State-wide Broadband Fibre & Infrastructural Project.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the State Government and Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited for the implementation of a state-wide Broadband Fibre Infrastructural Project.
The landmark event, held at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Little Rayfield, signifies a major step towards realizing Governor Mutfwang’s vision of a “digitally-connected, knowledge-driven Plateau.”
Describing the initiative as “a game changer and a homecoming for Plateau’s digital revolution,” Governor Mutfwang said the project would transform Plateau into one of Nigeria’s most connected and data-driven states, while positioning it as an emerging ICT hub for youth entrepreneurs and innovators.
“With this new journey, you can now sit anywhere across the State and work in America,” the governor remarked, highlighting how the initiative would open global opportunities for Plateau citizens through digital connectivity.
Governor Mutfwang, while expressing appreciation to Mr. Rwang David Chall, who resides in England, United Kingdom, for his support and contributions to the project, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“Every genuine son, daughter, and friend of Plateau has a duty to bring value home. If we redirect even 10% of the resources circulating elsewhere back to Plateau, our economy will experience an unimaginable transformation,” he said.
He called on stakeholders to embrace the digital era as a powerful tool for development, productivity, and global competitiveness.
The 25-year ‘Build, Operate, and Transfer’ (BOT) partnership will establish a robust fibre optic network connecting ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as schools, hospitals, and homes, with high-speed Internet. Upon completion, the infrastructure will be fully handed over to the Plateau State Government.
Governor Mutfwang further assured Plateau citizens that the agreement will enable the State to, among others, map and redesign existing fibre routes for effective planning and management, expand Internet access to rural communities, in line with his digital inclusion agenda, and empower local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and promote tech entrepreneurship.
The governor added that it will align with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and “Dig Once” Policy for sustainable digital growth.
Governor Mutfwang described the MoU as “a turning point, not just in technology, but in the destiny of our people. It is a bold declaration that Plateau is ready to compete, connect, and create.”
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Mr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, noted that since Governor Mutfwang assumed office, the State’s fibre coverage has grown, from 900 kilometers to 2,500 kilometers, a development he described as “the product of vision, collaboration, and leadership determined to bridge the digital divide.”
He added that the initiative would position Plateau as a digital hub in Northern Nigeria, attracting investors, promoting e-governance, and fostering innovation in sectors such as telemedicine, smart security, and electronic traffic management.
“When we improve connectivity, we don’t just increase Internet speed, we unlock economic possibilities,” Mr. Gwaman said. “From business process outsourcing to remote learning and smart governance, this project will power a new Plateau economy.”
Also speaking, Mr. Chris Eguaibor, who is Chief Operating Officer of Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited, expressed optimism that the partnership would “open the doors to a connected, creative, and competitive Plateau,” pledging the company’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
When fully executed, the Broadband Infrastructure Project is expected to revolutionize communication, governance, education, healthcare, and business operations across Plateau State, ushering in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and prosperity.