The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently trained over 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State on digital skills, aiming to ensure that disability does not exclude Nigerians from opportunities in the digital economy. The two-day Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities was held on September 9 and 10, 2026, in Lagos, under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
The programme exposed participants to digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity basics, data protection, assistive technologies, and responsible participation in the digital space. Many participants reported that the training went beyond learning how to operate digital tools, changing their understanding of safety, independence, and place in an increasingly digital society.
Participants gained knowledge on protecting personal data, identifying online scams, and avoiding disclosing sensitive information to unknown persons online. Others discovered accessibility features, including speech-to-text tools, that could make everyday use of their mobile devices easier and more independent. The programme addressed social realities faced by Persons with Disabilities, including discrimination.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, stated that the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to creating a digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities have the skills and confidence to participate fully in the digital economy. Maida was represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi.
Maida emphasized that digital citizenship goes beyond operating a smartphone or computer, encompassing knowledge, skills, and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online. The Commission’s objective is to build a Nigeria where disability does not determine whether an individual can obtain an education, access public services, secure employment, or contribute productively to society.
The Lagos programme is part of a broader NCC initiative to provide digital skills training for Persons with Disabilities across the country’s geopolitical zones. The initiative builds on the Commission’s existing interventions to expand digital access and inclusion, including its E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting Persons with Disabilities.
The training empowered participants, telling them that they are not merely beneficiaries but important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy. Their talents, ideas, businesses, and aspirations have value, and technology can help take them further. The NCC’s effort aims to promote greater independence through assistive technologies and create a more inclusive digital economy.
Key points
- The Nigerian Communications Commission trained over 100 Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State on digital citizenship and cybersecurity.
- The training aimed to empower Persons with Disabilities with digital skills for an inclusive digital economy.
- The initiative builds on the Commission’s existing interventions to expand digital access and inclusion.
