By Uriel Ihotu
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 a more inclusive digital economy.
The two-day Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities was held in Lagos on September 9 and 10, 2026, under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
The programme introduced participants to digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, personal data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
For the participants, the training was not simply about learning how to use smartphones or computers. It also focused on how technology can improve their safety, independence and access to opportunities.
Participants were taught practical ways to protect their personal information, identify online scams and avoid sharing sensitive details with unknown persons.
They were also introduced to accessibility features such as speech-to-text technology, which can make communication and everyday use of digital devices easier for some persons with disabilities.
The training further addressed social barriers faced by PWDs, including discrimination and negative perceptions that can limit their participation in society.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Maida, who was represented at the event by the Director of the NCC Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said digital inclusion must go beyond providing internet connectivity.
According to him, digital citizenship involves having the knowledge and skills to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identities, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.
He said technology could help Persons with Disabilities overcome barriers to education and employment while creating opportunities in entrepreneurship, remote work, access to information and public services.
“You are not merely beneficiaries; you are important participants and contributors to Nigeria’s digital economy,” Maida told the participants, stressing the value of their talents, ideas, businesses and aspirations.
The Lagos training is part of a wider NCC initiative aimed at expanding digital skills among Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Maida also highlighted other NCC interventions supporting digital accessibility, including the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs.
The Commission has also supported research into assistive technology, including the development of an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
Another initiative highlighted was the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” which challenged innovators to develop technology-driven solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
The NCC said connectivity alone cannot guarantee meaningful digital inclusion if people lack the skills and confidence required to use technology safely and productively.
Maida therefore called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.
He said accessibility should be considered from the beginning when digital products and services are designed and deployed.
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 involved in the programme.
For the more than 100 participants trained in Lagos, the initiative provided practical knowledge they can apply in their everyday digital lives—from protecting personal information and identifying online scams to using assistive technology and accessing digital opportunities with greater confidence.
