Nigeria is accelerating efforts to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a renewed focus on the estimated 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities. Recognizing that true digital inclusion must leave no one behind, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is strengthening policies to ensure accessibility in national digital transformation initiatives.
In a recent dialogue with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa emphasized the need for intentional design, proposing that disability community representatives be formally involved in shaping ICT standards, training curricula, and digital policy frameworks. This move aims to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and ensure that accessibility remains a priority in Nigeria’s digital evolution.
Beyond training, the real focus is empowerment—helping individuals use technology to improve their lives and drive business growth. Regional disparities, particularly for women with disabilities in northern Nigeria, remain a challenge, prompting NITDA to integrate disability-focused initiatives into existing programs, such as:
- NYSC tech programs for youth corps members
- Women-centric digital training
- National tech conferences and innovation showcases
Additionally, NITDA is building formal partnerships with disability advocacy groups to execute inclusive digital programs, ensuring that accessibility is not an afterthought but a central component of innovation.
As Nigeria embraces a tech-driven future, this shift highlights an important movement—one that aligns digital progress with equity, ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of ability, can actively participate in the country’s transformation.
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