In a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive development, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has successfully empowered a fresh cohort of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with essential digital skills, positioning them as active participants—and leaders—in the nation’s growing digital economy.
The capacity-building initiative, implemented in partnership with the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and the Society for the Improvement of the Blind and the Disabled (SIMBED), was designed to break longstanding barriers that have excluded millions of Nigerians with disabilities from meaningful participation in technology-driven opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, emphasized that digital inclusion goes beyond goodwill or charity. According to him, empowering PwDs with relevant digital skills is a deliberate investment in human capital and national productivity.
“Persons with Disabilities are not passive beneficiaries of support; they are creators, innovators, and contributors to Nigeria’s digital future,” Mr. Olawunmi said. “When the right tools, training, and accessible environments are provided, we unlock talents that can transform industries and communities.”
He explained that the training focused on equipping participants with practical, in-demand digital competencies that can be applied across multiple sectors—ranging from entrepreneurship and remote work to innovation and digital services. The initiative, he noted, reflects NITDA’s broader vision of ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
The programme also aligns squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusivity, innovation, and capacity development at the heart of national growth. Mr. Olawunmi stressed that true national development cannot be achieved if significant segments of the population are excluded from opportunities created by technology.
“Digital empowerment must be intentional and accessible,” he said. “When inclusion is designed into our policies and programmes, Persons with Disabilities do not just participate—they excel.”
At the closing ceremony, participants were congratulated for their resilience and commitment to learning. Mr. Olawunmi described them as “champions and ambassadors of digital inclusion,” urging them to put their newly acquired skills to use and cascade the knowledge within their communities.
As the newly trained PwDs return to their respective communities, they do so not merely as beneficiaries of a government programme, but as catalysts for change—equipped to challenge stereotypes, mentor others, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Observers say the initiative represents a crucial step in bridging the digital divide and redefining disability inclusion in Nigeria, shifting the narrative from limitation to opportunity.
With partnerships like those with IFA and SIMBED, and a growing focus on accessibility in digital policies, NITDA is reinforcing a vision of a future where innovation knows no boundaries—and where every Nigerian, regardless of ability, has a seat at the table.
As Nigeria advances toward a digitally driven economy, initiatives such as this underscore a powerful message: inclusion is not optional—it is essential for sustainable national growth.
