The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Nigerian federal government to ensure that its websites and digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). This appeal was made at a stakeholders' validation meeting in Abuja, where findings from an assessment of 150 government websites and portals were reviewed. The assessment revealed several challenges faced by PWDs when accessing government digital platforms.
The coordinator of Persons with Disabilities at CITAD, Hamza Aminu, disclosed that visually impaired persons using screen readers often encounter difficulties due to incompatible website content. He also noted that persons with albinism and low vision face challenges caused by poor colour contrast and inappropriate text presentation on some government websites. These barriers prevent PWDs from accessing important government information and benefiting from available opportunities.
Aminu urged government agencies to collaborate with organisations of persons with disabilities and ICT-focused organisations to strengthen their personnel's capacity to develop accessible digital content. He also announced that CITAD would embark on advocacy visits to relevant government agencies and MDAs following the validation exercise. The comprehensive report will be presented to the affected agencies to enable them to take corrective measures.
The initiative aims to promote digital inclusion and ensure that government services delivered through online platforms are accessible to all citizens, including PWDs. Yusuf Babagana, a System and Data Analyst with CITAD, said the exercise aimed to validate the organisation's research findings with relevant stakeholders before the publication of a comprehensive report. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to scrutinise the findings, make corrections, and provide explanations.
Babagana noted that CITAD is particularly concerned about digital inclusion and preventing PWDs from being excluded from government services due to inaccessible websites. The main theme of the project is auditing government websites to determine whether they are accessible to the layman and people with disabilities, such as visually impaired individuals.
The assessment of 150 government websites and portals revealed that many are not accessible to PWDs. CITAD's advocacy efforts aim to address these issues and promote digital inclusion. The organisation seeks to ensure that government services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
The stakeholders' validation meeting provided a platform for relevant stakeholders to provide input and guidance on the report's findings and recommendations. CITAD's efforts aim to promote equal access to information and opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria. The organisation's advocacy visits to government agencies and MDAs will focus on promoting accessibility and digital inclusion.
Key points
- Centre for Information Technology and Development calls on Nigerian government to make digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities
- Assessment of 150 government websites reveals significant barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities
- CITAD advocates for collaboration between government agencies and organisations of persons with disabilities to promote digital inclusion
