NCC empowers over 100 persons with disabilities, digital skills in Lagos
NCC Trains Over 100 Persons with Disabilities in Digital Skills
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently conducted a two-day training program in Lagos for over 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs), focusing on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, data protection, and assistive technologies. The training, held on September 9 and 10, 2026, was aimed at fostering inclusion in the digital economy under the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
Participants were introduced to the foundational aspects of digital literacy, including internet communication, basic cybersecurity practices, data protection, and the use of assistive technologies.
Many attendees reported that the training not only enhanced their technical skills but also transformed their understanding of safety, independence, and their role within a growing digital landscape. They learned how to safeguard personal data, identify online scams, and utilize accessibility features such as speech-to-text applications that enhance the functionality of their devices.
The program also addressed the social challenges faced by PWDs, particularly issues of discrimination. Participants were encouraged to recognize that negative attitudes often stem from ignorance and should not hinder their confidence or engagement in society.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Maida, represented by Helen Obi, the Director of the Digital Economy Department, stated that true digital inclusion extends beyond merely providing internet access.
“Digital citizenship encompasses the knowledge, skills, and responsible behaviors necessary for safe and meaningful online engagement,” he said. “It is about protecting personal information and understanding one’s digital rights and responsibilities.”
Dr. Maida noted that technology holds the potential to eliminate barriers for PWDs, fostering access to education, employment, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. He stated that the NCC’s goal is to create an environment where disability does not determine an individual’s ability to pursue education, access public services, or contribute to society.
“You are not merely beneficiaries; you are vital contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy,” Maida told the participants, urging them to harness their talents and aspirations through technology.
This Lagos initiative is part of a broader NCC strategy to enhance digital skills for PWDs across Nigeria’s various geopolitical zones. Maida highlighted ongoing projects, including the E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive devices to organizations supporting individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, the NCC supports research in assistive technology, including a prototype walking stick for the blind and visually impaired, and recently launched the fourth NCC Hackathon with the theme “Technology Without Barriers,” which encourages innovative solutions for accessibility and inclusion.
Maida reiterated that the NCC is committed to fostering connectivity and digital skills, and urged for collaborative efforts among government bodies, technology companies, and civil society to ensure accessibility is integrated from the beginning in the design of digital services.
He acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and various stakeholders in facilitating the program.
For the more than 100 trainers, this program distilled the broad concept of digital inclusion into actionable skills, empowering them to navigate the digital world with increased confidence and independence.
