NCC, CBM seek greater digital investment to empower Nigerians with disabilities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) International Nigeria have called for increased investment in technology, digital skills and infrastructure to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure their full participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The organisations made the call in Lagos at the opening of a two-day Digital Citizenship Training for PWDs in Lagos State, organised by the NCC.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, represented by the Director, Digital Economy, Helen Obi, said Nigeria’s digital transformation could only be meaningful if it was inclusive and accessible to all citizens.

Maida said the digital economy had become central to communication, education, commerce, financial services and productivity, warning that PWDs risked being excluded when digital products and services were developed without accessibility considerations.

“Participation in the digital economy now requires more than basic internet access; it requires appropriate devices, affordable and reliable broadband, digital skills, accessible platforms and secure systems,” he said.

According to him, digital citizenship extends beyond the ability to operate smartphones or computers, encompassing safe online participation, protection of personal information, identification of scams and misinformation, digital identity protection, and awareness of digital rights and responsibilities.

He said the NCC had introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting digital inclusion, including School Knowledge Centres, Information Resource Centres, university connectivity projects, e-Health interventions and its E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs.

The NCC boss also highlighted the commission’s “Technology Without Barriers” Hackathon and an assistive walking-stick prototype developed through its Professorial Chair Initiative.

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He urged participants to view themselves as active contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy, stressing that technology could help expand their businesses, talents and aspirations.

“Your talents, ideas, businesses and aspirations have value, and technology can help take them further,” he said.

CBM Nigeria Country Programme Manager, Michael Idah, described disability inclusion as both a development priority and a human rights imperative.

Idah said the organisation supported the initiative because digital skills were increasingly essential for participation in education, employment, communication and economic activities.

“We are gathered to advance a vision of a society where every person, regardless of disability, has equal opportunities to participate and thrive in the digital age,” he said.

He commended the NCC for promoting inclusive digital development, saying initiatives targeting PWDs could unlock the talents, creativity and economic potential of millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.

Idah said CBM had worked with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, government institutions and other stakeholders across Nigeria to promote disability-inclusive development, skills acquisition and livelihood opportunities.

He disclosed that CBM operated across 22 states in Nigeria, supporting disability inclusion, vocational training, skills development and economic empowerment.

According to him, the organisation operates in 68 countries globally and remains committed to advancing the rights, participation and empowerment of PWDs.

Also speaking, Adekola Theresa, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), representing the General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the initiative aligned with the state government’s objective of ensuring equal opportunities for residents.

She said collaboration with the NCC and other partners would strengthen LASODA’s efforts to equip PWDs with skills that could improve their economic independence.

“This programme is especially to develop their skills, which will enhance their economic skills, give them independence and enable them to earn their living,” she said.

Theresa assured that the Lagos State Government would continue supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring that PWDs were not left behind as technology increasingly shapes economic and social opportunities.

The stakeholders urged participants to maximise the training by applying the skills acquired to education, employment, entrepreneurship, advocacy and leadership.