The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion for persons with disabilities following the completion of a two-day digital literacy training programme in Abuja.
The training, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under its Digital Literacy for All initiative, equipped 50 participants with practical digital skills aimed at improving their participation in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the programme reflects the agency’s resolve to make accessibility central to the country’s digital transformation drive.
“Genuine digital advancement cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Millions of Nigerians are still constrained by limited access to accessible and inclusive digital platforms,” Inuwa said.
He noted that the challenge often lies not in the absence of digital tools, but in accessibility gaps, citing platforms that do not support assistive technologies, lack captions or operate through inaccessible websites.
Inuwa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity as a catalyst for national development. He added that when provided with the right skills and technologies, persons with disabilities can contribute meaningfully as innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals across sectors.
He commended the Inclusive Friends Association and SIMBED for their roles in delivering the training, describing the partnership as a model for advancing inclusive development through collaboration between government and civil society.
Highlighting NITDA’s broader efforts, Inuwa said the Digital Literacy for All programme forms part of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.
The programme operates across three tracks, including an informal sector initiative that has trained more than 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, an education sector programme integrating digital skills into learning institutions, and a workforce readiness track to strengthen digital competence in both public and private sectors.
“This programme is not merely a pilot. It proves that inclusive and intentional training works, and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities,” Inuwa said.
SIMBED Managing Director Daniel Onunkwo described the training as a significant step toward closing Nigeria’s digital inclusion gap, while Inclusive Friends Association Executive Director Grace Jerry, represented by Tracy Agbamu, praised NITDA for advancing inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Organisers said the training is expected to empower participants to serve as digital inclusion advocates in their communities, reinforcing NITDA’s vision of a Nigeria where access to digital opportunities is driven by empowerment and innovation rather than physical ability.
