Abuja, Nigeria — The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Mr. David Daser, has issued a bold and urgent call to the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive and inclusive policy framework that addresses the structural and systemic barriers preventing over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities from accessing digital education and employment opportunities.
Daser made the call during a sensitization workshop titled “Digital Citizenship for Persons with Disability,” organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja. The event gathered stakeholders across the public and private sectors to address the stark digital divide affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
With Nigeria steadily advancing toward a digital economy, Daser cautioned that millions of Nigerians could be left behind if inclusion is not made a national priority. “It is imperative that no one is left behind, especially the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities, as we shape Nigeria’s digital future,” he declared.
Digital Inclusion: A Matter of Justice, Not Charity
In his rousing goodwill address titled “Empowering All: Advancing Digital Citizenship and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities,” Daser emphasized that digital inclusion should not be viewed as an act of benevolence but as a fundamental issue of justice and equal rights.
“Empowering PWDs in the digital space means not only providing access to technology,” he said, “but also ensuring that they have the skills, support systems, and confidence to thrive as equal digital citizens.”
Daser stressed that inclusive digital citizenship must begin with eliminating access barriers — from non-accessible websites and mobile apps to the lack of assistive technology, inclusive content, and properly trained educators and facilitators.
“Whether it’s through accessible user interfaces, screen readers, inclusive content design, or disability-aware policy frameworks, we must dismantle all barriers to full participation in the digital space,” he said.
DBI’s Commitment to Inclusive Innovation
Daser praised the NCC for taking a leadership role in driving digital inclusion and hosting a workshop that reflected “not just regulatory foresight, but a human-centered commitment to national development.” He affirmed that DBI stands ready to take its place at the forefront of Nigeria’s inclusive digital revolution.
“At DBI, we are proud of the work we’ve done in this space,” he said. “Our partnership with organisations such as Sightsavers has enabled us to develop and deliver tailored digital skills programs for PWDs.”
These initiatives have focused on not just teaching digital literacy but creating an ecosystem where inclusivity is embedded into every layer of the digital learning experience—from accessible classrooms to training materials designed with disability in mind.
“DBI today stands as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions in the implementation of inclusive digital training and sensitisation programmes. Our track record is proven, and our capacity is scalable,” Daser asserted.
Digital Citizenship is a Shared Responsibility
Daser underscored that digital inclusion is not the sole responsibility of government alone but a shared duty among all stakeholders — including regulators, educators, the private sector, and civil society.
“This is not charity. It is not a favour. It is justice. Inclusion is a shared responsibility,” he reiterated. “DBI is ready and well-positioned to serve as a hub for innovation, inclusion, and human capital development in the digital age.”
NCC, NCPWD, and Stakeholders Lend Their Voices
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Olatokunbo Oyeleye, Director of Economic Research and Policy at the NCC, described the workshop as a unique opportunity not just for discussion but for actionable outcomes.
“This gathering is not just about sensitization,” she noted, “It is about learning, planning, and truly engaging. Digital skills are no longer optional — they are essential for survival and prosperity in today’s world.”
In its show of commitment, the NCC donated 100 educational books on digital citizenship to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to support further advocacy and sensitization efforts across the country.
In his remarks, Chief Ayuba Burkin Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, commended the NCC for organizing what he described as a forward-thinking and inclusive initiative. He noted that the event marked a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
However, Gufwan raised a critical observation regarding the exclusion of the blind community in the workshop’s planning and engagement. “Persons with visual disabilities are not only capable of using digital tools — many are thriving in tech spaces globally. We must ensure representation and accessibility for all,” he insisted.
Toward a Digitally Inclusive Future
The workshop concluded with a united voice from stakeholders calling for urgent government action, increased collaboration, and sustained commitment to ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in the march toward digital transformation.
As Nigeria builds its digital infrastructure and economy, the message from the event was clear: true development cannot happen without inclusion. By unlocking the potential of over 27 million PWDs through targeted policy frameworks, training, infrastructure, and support, Nigeria stands to gain not just a more equitable society but a more robust and diverse digital workforce.
Indeed, inclusion is not a luxury — it is a necessity. And if the nation is to truly thrive in the digital age, then every Nigerian — regardless of ability — must have a seat at the table.
