NCC Moves to End Communication Barriers for Persons with Disabilities
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking to end communication barriers suffered by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in order to enable them communicate seamlessly while using
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is actively working to eliminate communication barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in order to facilitate seamless interaction with telecommunication devices. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholders Management at the NCC, revealed this at the commencement of the second edition of the NCC Hackathon, held in Abuja yesterday, under the theme: “Technology Without Barriers.”
Makama, represented by Director, Zonal Operations, NCC, Usman Malah, disclosed that the commission gathered young innovators to create practical technological solutions with a focus on PWDs.
Makama emphasized the commission's commitment to nurturing innovation, advancing indigenous technological development, and ensuring digital transformation is inclusive, accessible, and beneficial for all Nigerians. She highlighted how promoting inclusive digital technologies is revolutionizing lives, reshaping economies, and generating new growth opportunities.
To ensure these advantages reach everyone, she stressed the importance of creating innovative solutions that are affordable, practical, and responsive to local needs.
She emphasized the ongoing challenges PWDs and underserved populations face in accessing communication services, education, healthcare, financial services, employment opportunities, and government platforms. These obstacles necessitate innovative solutions that are tailored to the realities of the local environment. Makama reaffirmed the NCC's dedication to establishing an environment that fosters the development of indigenous technologies addressing these issues while promoting digital inclusion nationwide.
Speaking on the impact of the NCC Hackathon, Hellen Obi, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the NCC, highlighted the event as a platform to foster local technology development and build functional assistive solutions for universal access. The hackathon's core objectives include promoting inclusive digital services, encouraging homegrown entrepreneurship, and bridging the digital divide.
Additionally, the event aims to strengthen the local digital innovation ecosystem by empowering young innovators with structured venture paths. Obi noted that the hackathon sought to achieve various solutions, with a focus on AI speech-to-text, real-time sign language translations, and other innovative approaches.
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