Nigeria: UN Honours Nigeria for Advancing Digital Inclusion Through NCC’s Digital Awareness Programme

Nigeria has received global recognition for its strides in digital inclusion, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) winning the prestigious 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize for its Digital Awareness Programme (DAP).

The accolade, awarded under Category C3 – Access to Information and Knowledge, highlights Nigeria’s leadership in expanding equitable digital access. DAP emerged as the top project in its category, securing the highest number of global votes among hundreds of international submissions.

The initiative, launched in 2006, provides ICT tools, internet access, and training resources to secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. So far, over 300 schools have benefited, enhancing digital literacy and supporting modern teaching and learning environments.

Receiving the award in Geneva, Switzerland, during the WSIS Prizes 2025 Winners Ceremony, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, expressed gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and WSIS for acknowledging Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.

“This recognition is not just a celebration of our past achievements—it is a powerful motivation to deepen our commitment. It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is a strategic investment in national development,” Dr. Maida remarked.

Broader Recognition for Nigerian Projects

In addition to DAP’s top honour, four other Nigerian initiatives were recognised as WSIS Champions for their significant impact:

• Women Techsters Initiative (Capacity Building)
• Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (Capacity Building)
• Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative (Enabling Environment)
• Digital Learning Initiative (e-Learning)

Though not top-voted, these projects were commended for their innovation and contribution to Nigeria’s digital development agenda.

A Global Platform for Inclusive Digital Growth

The WSIS Prizes, hosted annually by the United Nations, celebrate outstanding projects that harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By showcasing transformative digital initiatives, WSIS encourages collaborative, people-focused innovation on a global scale.

As a UN-backed platform, the World Summit on the Information Society brings together governments, private sector actors, and civil society to drive inclusive, development-oriented digital ecosystems.

Nigeria’s recognition at WSIS 2025 underscores its growing influence in shaping digital policy and implementation across Africa—and affirms its vision of leaving no one behind in the digital age.