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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with CBM International Nigeria, has called for stronger efforts to ensure persons with disabilities are fully included in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The call was made during a two-day specialised Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities held recently in Lagos. The programme brought together participants living with disabilities, government representatives, development partners and other stakeholders focused on advancing digital inclusion.
The training was designed to equip persons with disabilities with essential digital skills, online safety knowledge and practical tools to participate more effectively in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. It was held under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
NCC highlights barriers to digital inclusion
Speaking at the event, Helen Obi, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the NCC, who represented the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said Nigeria’s digital transformation must remain inclusive, accessible and centred on people.
Obi noted that digital technology has become increasingly important to communication, education, commerce, access to public and financial services, and productivity. However, she said persons with disabilities continue to encounter significant barriers to participation.
These challenges include inaccessible digital products and services, the high cost of devices and internet connectivity, inadequate digital skills, and limited involvement of persons with disabilities in the development and design of digital services.
“Digital inclusion must therefore encompass accessibility, affordability, digital skills, safety and meaningful use,” Obi said.
Citing World Health Organisation data, she said about 1.3 billion people globally, equivalent to one in six people, live with a significant disability.
According to Obi, persistent digital exclusion among this population remains a major obstacle to achieving a genuinely inclusive digital economy.
She explained that digital citizenship extends beyond the ability to operate a smartphone or computer. It also involves the knowledge, skills and responsible behaviour needed to participate safely and effectively online.
This includes protecting personal information, identifying scams and misinformation, securing digital identities, and understanding digital rights and responsibilities.
“For Persons with Disabilities, technology can remove barriers to education and employment, support entrepreneurship and remote work, improve access to information and public services, and promote greater independence through assistive technologies,” she said.
CBM calls for systemic change
Michael Idah, Country Programme Manager at CBM International Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing disability-inclusive development across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Idah acknowledged the importance of technical training but said the broader objective should be to convert digital skills into sustainable economic opportunities and lasting improvements in the systems supporting persons with disabilities.
He identified employment pathways and accessible infrastructure as important indicators of whether digital inclusion initiatives are achieving meaningful long-term impact.
Digital skills linked to economic empowerment
Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, who represented the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, described the collaboration with the NCC as an important step towards strengthening digital skills and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
She said improving access to relevant skills could strengthen the economic capacity and independence of persons with disabilities while contributing to improved livelihoods and well-being.
Adekola also highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities who operate businesses that are not formally registered. According to her, the lack of formal registration can restrict access to certain financial opportunities and other forms of economic support.
Government expands digital skills development
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education disclosed that 16,000 Nigerians had been enrolled in the inaugural cohort of its Digital Training Academy, a free government-sponsored programme designed to provide young Nigerians with globally recognised digital skills.
The ministry said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of competing in the global digital economy.
The programme also complements existing government investments in digital skills development as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy and strengthen the human capital required to support it.
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