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.
The two-day training, held on September 9 and 10, 2026, was organised under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
The programme is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and ensure that disability does not prevent Nigerians from accessing opportunities in the digital economy.
Participants were trained on digital fundamentals, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible online participation.
The training also focused on practical challenges faced by PWDs in the digital space, including online scams, protection of personal information and the use of accessibility features that can improve independence.
Some participants were introduced to tools such as speech-to-text technology, while others learnt how to identify online scams and avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown persons.
Beyond technical skills, the programme addressed discrimination and negative perceptions surrounding disability, encouraging participants to develop greater confidence in their abilities and participation in society.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to building a digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities could participate fully and meaningfully.
Maida, who was represented at the event by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said digital citizenship involved more than simply knowing how to operate digital devices.
“Digital citizenship goes beyond operating a smartphone or computer; it encompasses the knowledge, skills and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard one’s digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities,” he said.
According to him, technology has the potential to remove barriers to education and employment for PWDs, support entrepreneurship and remote work, improve access to public services and information, and promote greater independence through assistive technologies.
Maida urged the participants to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of digital inclusion programmes but as active contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy.
“You are not merely beneficiaries; you are important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy. Your talents, ideas, businesses and aspirations have value, and technology can help take them further,” he said.
He explained that the Lagos training was part of a wider NCC initiative designed to equip Persons with Disabilities with digital skills across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The EVC also highlighted other NCC interventions aimed at improving digital accessibility, including the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs.
He further cited the Commission’s support for research into assistive technologies, including the development of an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
The NCC’s fourth Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” was also highlighted as an initiative aimed at encouraging innovators to develop technology solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
Maida stressed that internet connectivity alone could not guarantee meaningful digital inclusion without the skills and confidence required to use technology safely and productively.
“The NCC remains committed to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation, with the goal of building a digital Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities can learn, work, do business, communicate and access services with dignity and confidence,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that accessibility is considered from the design stage of digital products and services.
The NCC acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs and other stakeholders in the implementation of the programme.
For the more than 100 participants, the training provided practical knowledge on protecting personal information, identifying online scams, using assistive technologies and navigating the digital environment with greater confidence and independence.
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