The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reinforced its push for inclusive digital growth with the successful completion of a two-day digital literacy programme for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.
Held under the agency’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, the training equipped 50 participants with practical digital skills aimed at improving their participation in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy. The programme focused on ensuring that no group is left behind as the country accelerates its digital transformation.
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, said the initiative reflects the agency’s resolve to make accessibility a central pillar of national digital development. According to him, true digital progress cannot be achieved without intentionally including persons with disabilities.
He noted that exclusion often stems not from the absence of technology but from poor design and limited accessibility. Platforms that fail to support assistive technologies, captioning, or inclusive design, he said, unintentionally shut out millions of Nigerians and restrict their opportunities.
Inuwa explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusivity at the heart of national development. He stressed that persons with disabilities should be viewed as active contributors to economic growth rather than dependants.
“When provided with the right tools and skills, persons with disabilities can thrive as innovators, professionals, and entrepreneurs across different sectors,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED in delivering the training, describing the collaboration as a strong example of how government and civil society partnerships can drive inclusive progress.
Beyond the training, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s broader digital literacy strategy, noting that DL4ALL is a core component of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan. The plan targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.
He explained that the initiative operates through three key tracks: an informal sector programme that has trained over 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the FCT since September 2024; an education-focused track aimed at embedding digital skills in learning institutions; and a workforce readiness programme designed to strengthen digital competence across public and private sectors.
“This is not just a pilot programme. It proves that intentional, inclusive training works and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities,” Inuwa added.
Also speaking, SIMBED’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Onunkwo, described the training as a meaningful step toward closing the digital inclusion gap. He said the initiative sends a strong signal about equity and national progress, reaffirming SIMBED’s commitment to expanding digital empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, represented by Tracy Agbamu, commended NITDA for its deliberate leadership in promoting inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She encouraged participants to apply the skills gained and become advocates for digital inclusion within their communities.
The programme further advances NITDA’s vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where access to digital opportunities is shaped by empowerment and innovation, not physical ability.
