From left: Director, Monitoring Orientation and Evaluation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA; Dr. Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology MIST; Mr. Akeem Olayiwola, Director, Digital Economy, Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Ms Helen Obi, Country Programme Manager, Christian Blind Mission, CBM, Nigeria Country Office Abuja; Mr. Michael Idah, and Director/Head of Unit E-Government, Project Management Office, Lagos State Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology MIST, Mr. Lateef Alani,during the Digital Citizenship for Persons with Disabilities, held at the Cordis Hotel, Ikeja Lagos between September 17-18, 2026.
Susan Abayomi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has trained more than 100 persons with disabilities in Lagos State as part of efforts to promote digital inclusion and equip them with skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
The participants underwent a two-day Digital Citizenship Training held in Lagos, where they received practical lessons on digital literacy, internet use, cybersecurity, data protection and assistive technologies.
The programme, themed “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” was designed to strengthen participants’ ability to use digital platforms safely, responsibly and independently.
The training also focused on protecting personal information, identifying online scams and avoiding the disclosure of sensitive details to unknown individuals. Participants were introduced to accessibility tools, including speech-to-text technology, which can make the use of digital devices easier for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the programme, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said digital inclusion should extend beyond providing internet connectivity to ensuring that people have the knowledge and confidence to use digital technologies effectively.
Maida, who was represented by the Director of the NCC’s Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said technology could help remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, entrepreneurship, access to public services and communication.
He noted that the Commission was working towards a digital environment where disability would not prevent individuals from acquiring education, securing employment, starting businesses or contributing to national development.
“You are not merely beneficiaries; you are important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy,” Maida said, adding that technology could help advance the talents, businesses and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
The NCC said the Lagos training forms part of a wider initiative to provide digital skills training for persons with disabilities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The Commission also highlighted other inclusion-focused initiatives, including its E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting persons with disabilities.
According to the NCC, it has also supported research into assistive technologies and organised its fourth Hackathon with the theme “Technology Without Barriers,” encouraging innovators to develop solutions that promote accessibility.
Maida called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and organisations representing persons with disabilities to ensure accessibility is considered in the development of digital products and services.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation as part of efforts to build a more inclusive digital economy.
The programme was supported by stakeholders including the Lagos State Government, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs.
