Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has taken a significant step in driving digital transformation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Plateau State Government and Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited for the implementation of a state-wide Broadband Fibre Infrastructural Project.
The signing ceremony, held at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Little Rayfield, marks a milestone in the State’s journey toward becoming a digitally connected and knowledge-driven society. Governor Mutfwang described the partnership as “a game changer and a homecoming for Plateau’s digital revolution,” emphasizing that the project will make Plateau 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 said, stressing how the initiative will open global opportunities for Plateau citizens through high-speed digital connectivity. He appreciated Mr. Ron Chang for his support and contribution to the project, reaffirming his administration’s dedication 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 added. Governor Mutfwang also urged all stakeholders to embrace the digital era as a key driver of development, productivity, and global competitiveness.
The 25-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) partnership will create a strong fibre optic network connecting ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as schools, hospitals, and residential areas, with reliable broadband internet access. At the end of the operational period, the entire infrastructure will be handed over to the Plateau State Government.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the agreement would allow the State to map and redesign existing fibre routes for efficient planning and management, expand internet coverage to rural areas, and support his digital inclusion agenda. He noted that the project would also empower local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), promote tech entrepreneurship, and align with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and the “Dig Once” Policy aimed at promoting sustainable digital growth.
He described the signing of 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, the Director-General of the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Mr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, revealed that since Governor Mutfwang assumed office, fibre coverage in the State has expanded from 900 kilometers to 2,500 kilometers. He attributed this growth to “vision, collaboration, and leadership determined to bridge the digital divide.”
Mr. Gwaman highlighted that the Broadband Infrastructure Project will help establish Plateau as a major digital hub in Northern Nigeria, drawing investors, encouraging e-governance, and driving innovation in fields like telemedicine, smart security, and electronic traffic management. “When we improve connectivity, we don’t just increase Internet speed, we unlock economic possibilities,” he said. “From business process outsourcing to remote learning and smart governance, this project will power a new Plateau economy.”
Also present at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited, Mr. Chris Eguaibor, expressed confidence in the success of the partnership, describing it as a move that will “open the doors to a connected, creative, and competitive Plateau.” He assured that the company is fully committed to transparency, innovation, and sustainable value creation throughout the implementation process.
When fully implemented, the Plateau State Broadband Infrastructure Project is expected to transform communication, governance, education, healthcare, and business operations across the State. It will mark the beginning of a new era of innovation, inclusion, and prosperity for Plateau citizens, supporting digital transformation and technological advancement in Nigeria.