By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
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 as part of efforts to promote an inclusive digital economy.
The two-day Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities, held on September 9 and 10, 2026, was organised under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities
Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
The training exposed participants to digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
Beyond basic digital skills, the programme equipped participants with practical knowledge on protecting personal information, identifying online scams and avoiding the disclosure of sensitive information to unknown persons.
Participants were also introduced to accessibility features, including speech-to-text tools, designed to make the use of mobile devices easier and more independent for Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the programme, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not prevent Nigerians from participating fully in the digital economy.
Maida, who was represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, stressed that digital inclusion goes beyond providing internet connectivity.
“Digital citizenship goes beyond operating a smartphone or computer; it encompasses the knowledge, skills and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard one’s digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities,” he said.
According to him, technology has the potential to transform the lives of Persons with Disabilities 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.
Maida said the NCC’s ultimate objective was to contribute to building a Nigeria where disability would not determine whether an individual could obtain an 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 told participants.
The NCC said the Lagos training forms part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at providing digital skills training to Persons with Disabilities across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Maida noted that the programme builds on existing NCC interventions to expand digital access and inclusion, including the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting Persons with Disabilities.
He also highlighted the Commission’s support for research and innovation in assistive technology, including an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
The NCC’s fourth Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” was also cited as part of efforts to encourage innovators to develop technology-driven solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
The EVC maintained that connectivity alone could not guarantee meaningful digital inclusion without equipping citizens with 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, with the goal of building a digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities can learn, work, do business, communicate and access services with dignity and confidence,” he said.
He 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 is incorporated from the outset in the design and deployment of digital products and services.
Maida also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Government, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs and other stakeholders to the programme.
For the more than 100 participants trained in Lagos, the initiative provided practical tools for navigating the digital environment—from protecting personal information and identifying online scams to using assistive technologies and participating online with greater confidence and independence.
