The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced its commitment to promoting digital inclusion for over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities. During a courtesy visit by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a disability advocacy group, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into Nigeria’s digital empowerment and literacy programs.
NITDA’s Push for 95% Digital Literacy by 2030
Inuwa highlighted that achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030 would be impossible if 35 million Nigerians with disabilities are excluded from the digital inclusion agenda. As part of this mission, NITDA is redesigning its programs to ensure no one is left behind in the country’s digital revolution.
“There is no way we can achieve 95% digital inclusion if we exclude 35 million Nigerians,” Inuwa stated. He emphasised that inclusive digital empowerment is key to bridging the digital divide and achieving inclusive growth in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Expanding Training for Persons with Disabilities
While NITDA has previously conducted targeted training in select locations for people with disabilities, it now plans to expand these efforts nationwide. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for inclusive economic growth and digital reforms.
Inuwa suggested that members of the disability community be included in key national ICT committees, ensuring their representation in policymaking, curriculum development, and standards setting. He believes that this representation will shift the focus from just rhetoric to actionable inclusion that creates real opportunities for persons with disabilities in the digital economy.
Integrating Disability-Focused Digital Programs
As part of its inclusivity strategy, NITDA is exploring ways to integrate disability-focused digital programs into major national initiatives. These include National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tech programs, women-focused tech cohorts, and other ICT activities aimed at empowering underserved groups.
“For us, it’s beyond just training. The real goal is empowerment—how we can train people to use ICT to expand their businesses and improve their lives,” Inuwa emphasised.
Collaboration with Disability-Focused Organizations
Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s dedication to working alongside disability-focused organisations to create a more inclusive digital economy in Nigeria. He called for greater collaboration to ensure that digital literacy and empowerment reach all Nigerians, regardless of ability.
Closing the Digital Gap for Persons with Disabilities
In her address, Grace Jerry, Executive Director of IFA, expressed her gratitude to NITDA for engaging with the disability community. Jerry stressed the urgency of closing the digital gap for people with disabilities, particularly as digital literacy becomes a foundational skill for employment in the modern workforce.
“Without deliberate inclusion, millions of people with disabilities will be left behind,” Jerry warned, echoing Inuwa’s sentiment that the country’s goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030 will only be possible if all demographic groups, including persons with disabilities, are actively represented and included in national initiatives.
NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
NITDA’s announcement signals a major step toward fostering digital inclusion in Nigeria by ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded from the nation’s digital transformation. By integrating inclusive training programs, disability-focused tech initiatives, and policy representation, NITDA aims to close the digital gap and provide equal opportunities for all Nigerians to thrive in the digital age.
