The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating equal opportunities for qualified Nigerians, including persons with disabilities.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, made this known on Wednesday in Lagos during a Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities.
Maida, who was represented by the Director of the NCC’s Digital Economy Department, Helen A. Obi, said Nigeria’s digital economy had become an important part of everyday life, including communication, education, business, financial services and access to public services.
He said the NCC believed that digital transformation must be inclusive, accessible and designed to meet the needs of all Nigerians.
According to him, digital citizenship is more than knowing how to use a smartphone or computer. It also involves having the skills to use the internet safely and responsibly, protect personal information, identify scams and misinformation, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.
Maida said technology could be particularly useful to persons with disabilities because it could help remove barriers to education and employment, support entrepreneurship and remote work, improve access to information and public services, and promote independence through assistive technologies.
However, he noted that persons with disabilities still face several challenges, including inaccessible digital platforms, the high cost of devices and internet services, inadequate digital skills and discrimination in employment.
He said digital inclusion must therefore involve affordable internet access, appropriate devices, digital skills, online safety and accessible digital platforms.
Maida said the theme of the training, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” was timely because Nigeria needed a digital economy where nobody was left behind.
He said the World Health Organisation estimates that about 1.3 billion people globally, or one in every six people, experience significant disability.
The NCC boss said the commission had introduced several programmes to improve digital access, including School Knowledge Centres, Information Resource Centres, university connectivity projects, e Health initiatives and ICT and Computer Based Test facilities.
He also highlighted the NCC’s E Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting persons with disabilities.
According to him, the NCC has also supported research and innovation through its Professorial Chair Initiative. One of the innovations is an assistive walking stick designed to support blind and visually impaired persons.
He said the prototype had been developed but was yet to be commercialised, adding that the commission was working on its further development and possible commercialisation.
Maida also mentioned the fourth NCC Hackathon, which was held under the theme “Technology Without Barriers”. He said the programme brought innovators together to develop technological solutions that could improve accessibility and inclusion.
He stressed that connectivity and technology alone were not enough, saying people also needed the knowledge and confidence to use digital tools safely and productively.
“Our goal is to equip participants with the digital citizenship competencies and practical skills required to use digital tools effectively, promote digital inclusion, and strengthen the capacity of persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.
Maida said the NCC wanted a Nigeria where disability would not determine whether a person could obtain an education, access public services, secure employment, start a business or contribute to society.
He urged participants to see themselves not only as beneficiaries but also as important contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy.
He also called for greater cooperation among government agencies, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society groups and organisations representing persons with disabilities.
Maida said accessibility should be considered from the beginning when digital products and services were being designed.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities.
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