The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with Christian Blind Mission International Nigeria (CBN), has called for greater investment in technology, skills and digital infrastructure to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and promote an inclusive digital economy.

The organisations made the call in Lagos during the kick-off of a two-day Digital Citizenship Training for PWDs hosted by the NCC.

The Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Helen Obi, the Director, Digital Economy, NCC, said Nigeria’s digital transformation must be inclusive and accessible.

The EVC noted that digital economy had become central to communication, education, trade, financial services and productivity, warning that PWDs could be excluded when digital products and services were not designed with accessibility in mind.

He advised that digital citizenship goes beyond operating a smartphone or computer, as it also involves the ability to participate safely online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.

He fuether explained that the commission had implemented several initiatives to promote digital inclusion, including School Knowledge Centres, Information Resource Centres, university connectivity projects, e-Health interventions and its E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs.

Dr. Maida highlighted the commission’s Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers”, as well as an assistive walking-stick prototype developed through the NCC Professorial Chair Initiative.

He urged participants to see themselves as active contributors to the digital economy, stressing that their skills and ideas could be enhanced through technology.

Michael Idah, CBM Nigeria country programme manager, lauded the initiative, noting that everyone deserves equal opportunity to thrive in a digital age.