NCC pushes digital inclusion for persons with disabilities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with CBM International Nigeria, has emphasized the importance of digital inclusion for persons with disabilities as part of Nigeria's broader digital transformation. This commitment was highlighted during a two-day Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities held in Lagos, attended by numerous disabled individuals, government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders.

The training, themed "Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy," aimed to equip people with disabilities with essential digital skills, online safety awareness, and tools for active participation in Nigeria's growing digital economy. Ms Helen Obi, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the NCC, stressed that digital technology has become integral to various aspects of modern life, but highlighted that persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers, such as inaccessible digital products, high costs of devices and connectivity, and insufficient digital skills.

According to World Health Organisation data, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disabilities, and digital exclusion remains a critical obstacle to achieving a truly inclusive digital economy. Ms Obi explained that digital citizenship encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools but also the knowledge, skills, and responsible behaviors necessary to safely and meaningfully engage online, protect personal information, recognize scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.

Michael Idah, Country Programme Manager for CBM International Nigeria, emphasized the organization's dedication to promoting disability-inclusive development across various sectors. He noted that while technical training is vital, the ultimate success of such initiatives lies in translating digital skills into long-term systemic change, employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.

Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Orientation at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, stressed the significance of this collaboration in enhancing digital skills and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. She mentioned that some individuals with disabilities operate informal businesses that limit their access to financial opportunities.

The Federal Ministry of Education reported that 16,000 Nigerians have enrolled in its inaugural Digital Training Academy, a free government-sponsored program aimed at providing young Nigerians with globally recognized digital skills to help them compete in the global digital economy.