NCC Advocates for Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

On September 15, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) urged for stronger measures to eliminate barriers hindering persons with disabilities from fully engaging in Nigeria's digital economy. This call was made during a two-day specialized Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities held in Lagos, organized in collaboration with CBM International Nigeria.

Helen Obi, the Director of the Digital Economy Department, represented the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida. Obi stated that Nigeria's digital transformation must be inclusive, accessible, and people-centered.

She identified several obstacles, including inaccessible digital products, high costs of devices and connectivity, inadequate digital skills, and limited involvement of persons with disabilities in designing digital services. Obi emphasized that digital inclusion should encompass accessibility, affordability, digital skills, safety, and meaningful use.

Citing World Health Organization data, she noted that approximately 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability, highlighting the importance of addressing digital exclusion to foster an inclusive economy.