Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has renewed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. He announced this at the celebration of the 2024 Digital Inclusion Week held in Abuja. The theme for the event was “Building a Digitally Inclusive Nigeria.”
Inuwa revealed that Nigeria is working to reach over 35 million persons living with disabilities. He said the goal is to empower them through better access to technology, skills, and digital services. He believes that no one should be left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Kashifu Inuwa’s digital inclusion strategy covers areas like education, job creation, and access to digital tools. He said technology offers endless opportunities, and people with disabilities deserve the chance to benefit from it like everyone else. He urged stakeholders to work together and remove the barriers that limit access for persons with disabilities.
The NITDA boss explained that inclusion is not just about charity. It is about rights, dignity, and the full participation of all citizens in a digital economy. He emphasized that persons with disabilities must be supported to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Inuwa highlighted some of the agency’s key efforts in this space. He mentioned the implementation of the National Digital Inclusion Strategy and the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. These frameworks aim to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for all.
According to him, NITDA has been developing tools and policies that make digital platforms more accessible. The agency is also providing training programs, supporting startups with assistive technologies, and working with local and international partners to scale up impact. He said Kashifu Inuwa digital inclusion drive is built on collaboration, empathy, and innovation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also spoke at the event. He praised NITDA for its leadership and stressed the importance of inclusive digital policies. He said Nigeria must use technology to break social and economic barriers, not reinforce them.
Participants at the event included persons with disabilities, civil society groups, government officials, and development partners. Many shared ideas, success stories, and the challenges that still remain. Everyone agreed that the time to act is now and that digital access should not be a privilege.
Inuwa thanked everyone for their participation and promised continued action. He called on the private sector to get more involved and help scale inclusive technologies. He said NITDA will keep investing in solutions that meet the needs of all Nigerians.
With Kashifu Inuwa at the helm, Nigeria’s approach to digital inclusion is becoming more intentional and inclusive. The agency is showing that digital progress means little if it does not carry everyone along. By focusing on access, equity, and opportunity, Inuwa is helping to create a more inclusive digital future for Nigeria.
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