The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has trained more than 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, data protection and assistive technologies as part of efforts to promote an inclusive digital economy.
The two-day training, held on September 9 and 10, 2026, at Cordis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, was organised under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
The programme equipped participants with practical knowledge of digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
Beyond basic digital skills, the training also focused on helping participants protect their personal information, identify online scams and avoid disclosing sensitive information to unknown persons.
Some participants were also introduced to accessibility features, including speech-to-text tools, designed to make the use of mobile devices easier and promote greater independence.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the programme reflected the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not prevent Nigerians from participating meaningfully in the digital economy.
Maida, who was represented at the event by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said digital inclusion must extend beyond internet connectivity to include the knowledge and skills required to use technology safely and responsibly.
He said digital citizenship encompasses the ability to participate meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.
According to him, technology has the potential to transform the lives of Persons with Disabilities by removing barriers to education and employment, supporting entrepreneurship and remote work, improving access to information and public services, and promoting independence through assistive technologies.
Maida told the participants that they were not merely beneficiaries of the programme but important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy, stressing that their talents, ideas, businesses and aspirations had value.
The NCC chief executive disclosed that the Lagos training formed part of a broader Commission initiative to provide digital skills training for Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
He also highlighted other NCC interventions aimed at promoting digital accessibility, including the E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting Persons with Disabilities.
According to him, the Commission has equally supported research into assistive technologies, including an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
He further cited the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” which encouraged innovators to develop technology-driven solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
Maida stressed that connectivity alone could not guarantee meaningful digital inclusion unless Nigerians also had the knowledge and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and productively.
He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that accessibility is considered from the outset in the design and deployment of digital products and services.
The EVC acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs and other stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The Commission said the intervention was ultimately aimed at building a digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities could learn, work, do business, communicate and access essential services with greater dignity, confidence and independence.
