By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a historic move that signals a major shift toward digital equity and inclusion, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has been officially appointed as a strategic partner of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria’s leading tech development agency.
This landmark recognition comes with IFA’s inclusion in the prestigious National Digital Literacy Technical Working Group (NDL-TWG), a policy-shaping body established by NITDA to drive the national digital literacy agenda. IFA will be serving on two critical sub-committees: Inclusive Programme Design and Communication and Advocacy.
The development marks a significant milestone in IFA’s relentless advocacy for digital inclusion, especially for women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria. It is also a monumental win for the #RiseUpForGirls campaign—an initiative driven by IFA to champion the rights of girls and young women with disabilities, with a focus on amplifying their access to education, economic empowerment, and technology.
Speaking on the development via their official social media page, IFA stated:
“We are excited to share that the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has been officially included in the National Digital Literacy Technical Working Group (NDL-TWG) convened by NITDA. This is a significant achievement for our #RiseUpForGirls advocacy project and the broader community of persons with disabilities, especially women and girls.”
With this appointment, IFA gains a unique and powerful seat at the table where national digital policies are crafted. As part of the Inclusive Programme Design sub-committee, IFA will bring its technical expertise and lived experience to influence how programs are structured to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. In the Communication and Advocacy arm, IFA is expected to shape narratives and outreach strategies that promote digital equity, ensuring that inclusion becomes a non-negotiable pillar of Nigeria’s digital literacy push.
Bridging the Digital Divide for Women and Girls with Disabilities
For years, the digital divide has widened the social and economic gap experienced by persons with disabilities, especially women and girls. Limited access to information and communication technologies (ICT), lack of accessible platforms, digital illiteracy, and minimal representation in technology policy design have kept many on the fringes of the digital revolution.
IFA’s entry into NITDA’s working group is a direct response to this longstanding challenge. It positions the organization to advocate from within the system, influencing the formulation and implementation of digital literacy strategies that are inclusive, accessible, and intersectional.
“This strategic inclusion will enable us to influence the design and implementation of national digital literacy policies to be inclusive and accessible for all persons with disabilities,” IFA noted. “It will also ensure women and girls with disabilities are prioritized in digital literacy programme planning and execution.”
Recognition of IFA’s Leadership in Disability-Inclusive Development
The appointment is not just a recognition of IFA’s voice—it is an acknowledgment of its proven track record in disability rights advocacy, policy engagement, and inclusive development. Over the years, IFA has consistently led national dialogues, spearheaded inclusive voter education and political participation campaigns, and empowered hundreds of women with disabilities through digital skills and leadership development programs.
IFA’s advocacy work under the #RiseUpForGirls project has caught national and international attention, spotlighting the barriers girls with disabilities face while proposing tangible solutions rooted in empowerment, technology, and rights-based programming.
The organization expressed gratitude to NITDA for trusting its expertise and embracing the inclusion of disability advocates in critical digital policy discussions. IFA also extended appreciation to Rise Up – Levantemos and other funding and implementation partners whose support, the organization noted, “made this milestone possible.”
A National Agenda with Inclusive Eyes
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to close its digital literacy gap and accelerate digital inclusion under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), partnerships with organizations like IFA are crucial. They bring the knowledge, representation, and commitment needed to ensure no one is left behind—especially not the over 30 million persons with disabilities in the country.
This appointment is more than a strategic collaboration—it is a beacon of hope for thousands of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria who dream of participating fully in the digital age.
With IFA at the policy table, the future of digital inclusion in Nigeria looks not only more promising—but also more just, equitable, and accessible.
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