NITDA restates commitment to digital inclusion for Person with Disabilities

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, says the agency has organised a programme under its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, and trained 50 PWD participants in practical digital skills to enhance their participation in the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of measures to enhance their participation in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital development of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA recently organised a programme under its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative.

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The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the programme had trained 50 participants in practical digital skills to enhance their participation in the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the agency, in his remarks, said the programme reflects NITDA’s determination to ensure accessibility remains a core component of national digital transformation efforts.

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The Director-General of NITDA also explained that genuine digital advancement could not be realised without the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Millions of Nigerian consumers have remained constrained by limited access to accessible and inclusive digital platforms.

He also stated: “In many cases, the problem is not the absence of digital tools but the lack of accessibility.

“Platforms that do not support assistive technologies, non-captioned content and inaccessible websites effectively shut people out and limit opportunities.”

Inuwa further emphasised the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity as a driver of national development.

The NITDA Chief Executive averred that persons with disabilities should be recognised as active contributors to economic growth rather than dependants.

Stated he: “When equipped with the right skills and technologies, persons with disabilities become innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute meaningfully across sectors.”

Inuwa’s as well acknowledged the role of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED in delivering the training.

The Director-General described the collaboration as a model of how government and civil society partnerships could advance inclusive development in the Nigerian economy.

Inuwa: DL4ALL programme key component of SRAP

Highlighting NITDA’s broader digital literacy drive, Dr. Inuwa said the DL4ALL programme remains a key component of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP).

The initiative targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 percent by 2030, according to NITDA.

He equally explained that the initiative operates through three main tracks: an informal sector programme that has trained more than 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory since September 2024; an education sector programme focused on embedding digital skills into learning institutions; and a workforce readiness programme designed to strengthen digital competence in both public and private sectors.

Inuwa said: “This programme is not merely a pilot. It is proof that inclusive and intentional training works, and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities.”

Speaking at the forum also, Mr. Daniel Onunkwo, speaking, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIMBED, described the training as a significant step towards closing the digital inclusion gap for persons with disabilities.

Onunkwo submitted that the initiative sends a strong message about equity and national progress.

He also noted that SIMBED remains committed to expanding digital empowerment for Persons with Disabilities.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, represented by Tracy Agbamu, commended NITDA for demonstrating intentional leadership in promoting inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Jerry urged participants to continue applying the skills acquired and to serve as digital inclusion advocates within their communities.

The training programme further strengthens NITDA’s vision of building a digitally inclusive Nigeria where access to digital opportunities is determined not by physical ability but by empowerment and innovation.

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