The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasized that persons with disabilities (PwDs) are contributors to national development, not merely beneficiaries of charity.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the closing ceremony of a two-day PwD digital skills training.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED under NITDA’s Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030, with a focus on inclusive digital capacity nationwide.
Represented at the event by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Inuwa said the training promoted digital literacy inclusivity for all citizens.
“We live in a world where digital technology defines how we learn, work, communicate, and participate in society,” he said.
He noted that digital transformation would remain incomplete if the more than 30 million Nigerians with disabilities were excluded.
“For many PwDs, the challenge lies in inaccessible websites, non-captioned videos, and platforms incompatible with assistive technologies. These barriers limit opportunities, but PwDs are contributors to national goals, not charity beneficiaries,” Inuwa said.
He added that empowered PwDs can become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, driving productivity and innovation across all sectors.
Inuwa explained that DL4ALL operates through three programmes, including one targeting the informal sector, which has already trained over 480,000 Nigerians. The other pillars focus on the education sector and workforce development.
He urged stakeholders to design accessible programmes, invest in inclusive skills, and actively engage PwDs in decision-making processes. He also encouraged participants to become ambassadors of digital inclusion and advocate for an ecosystem that works for everyone.
SIMBED Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daniel Onunkwo, said the pilot training, which educated 50 PwDs, would be expanded nationwide.
“We see this as a strong statement of inclusion, equity, and national progress,” Onunkwo said, adding that SIMBED is committed to creating opportunities and providing credible PwD data for informed decision-making.
IFA Executive Director, Ms. Grace Jerry, represented by Ms. Tracy Agbamu, said digital discrimination differs from physical barriers and that digital skills are essential for PwDs to achieve financial independence and contribute economically.
A participant, Ms. Eberechi Onyinyechi, said the training helped her understand disability-friendly features on her device.
“From this programme, I now understand inclusive features on my device that support persons with disabilities,” she said.
