Nigeria’s tech transformation isn’t complete until all Nigerians, including the 35 million with disabilities, are truly empowered to participate.
At a strategic meeting with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), led by Grace Jerry, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, reinforced this.
He acknowledged that while digital literacy is soaring, those with special needs remain sidelined.
“We must be more intentional in the way we design our programs…there is no way we can achieve 95% digital inclusion if we exclude 35 million Nigerians,” he stated with conviction
What’s Changing
Policy Design: Disability advocates will now take a seat at the table, co-designing ICT policies, training curricula, and national standards.
Program Integration: Inclusion won’t be an afterthought. NITDA plans to integrate accessibility into the NYSC tech programs, women’s cohorts, and national tech conferences.
Practical Infrastructure: The agency already has accessible facilities and inclusive hiring practices, but is scaling intentionally nationwide.
“For us, it’s beyond just training…train people to use IT to expand their businesses and improve their lives,” Inuwa added
Since IFA’s consultative forum last October revealed that up to 90% of persons with disabilities live in poverty, and many lack basic digital skills like operating a computer, this move is not just inclusive, it’s strategic.
Why This Inclusion Matters
Jobs & Empowerment: As NITDA eyes digital literacy goals; 70% by 2027, 95% by 2030, it’ll unlock global job opportunities and bridge economic divides.
Economic Equity: Removing barriers means lifting entire communities out of marginalization and ingraining accessibility within the tech ecosystem.
Ultimately, Nigeria is refashioning itself as a digital powerhouse.
But at the heart of that shift lies a simple truth: if we leave 35 million people behind, we haven’t changed enough.
By weaving inclusivity into strategy, infrastructure, and policy, NITDA isn’t just promoting digital access, it’s building a truly equitable tech economy and it starts now.
