The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has trained more than 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, data protection and assistive technologies.
The initiative is part of the Commission’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and ensure that disability does not prevent Nigerians from accessing opportunities in the digital economy.
According to a statement issued by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the training exposed participants to digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
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Speaking at the programme, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative reflected the Commission’s commitment to building a digital Nigeria where PWDs had the skills and confidence to participate fully in the digital economy.
Maida, who was represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said digital inclusion should go beyond providing internet connectivity.
He explained that digital citizenship eencompassesthe knowledge, skills ,and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identities ,and understand digital rights and responsibilities.
Maida said technology could be particularly transformative for PWDs by removing barriers to education and employment, supporting entrepreneurship and remote work, improving access to information and public services, and promoting greater independence through assistive technologies.
He said the Commission’s broader objective was to build a Nigeria where disability would not determine whether an individual could obtain education, access public services, secure employment, establish a business ,or contribute productively to society.
“You are not merely beneficiaries; you are important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy. Your talents, ideas, businesses and aspirations have value, and technology can help take them further,” Maida said.
The NCC chief said the initiative built on the Commission’s existing interventions to expand digital access and inclusion, including its E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs.
He also highlighted the Commission’s support for research into assistive technology, including an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
Maida further cited the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers”, which encouraged innovators to develop solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
He stressed that connectivity alone could not deliver meaningful inclusion unless Nigerians also possessed the knowledge and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and productively.
“The NCC remains committed to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation, wto builda digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities can learn, work, do business, communicate and access services with dignity and confidence,” he said.
Maida called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure accessibility was incorporated from the outset in the design and deployment of digital products and services.
He also acknowledged the Lagos State Government, Nthe ational Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Lthe agos State Office for Disability Affairs ,and other stakeholders for their support for the programme.
For the more than 100 participants trained in Lagos, the intervention provided practical knowledge on protecting personal information, recognising online scams, using assistive technologies and navigating the digital environment with greater confidence and independence.
