The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has warned that Nigeria’s ambition to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030 is unattainable if 35 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) are excluded.
Speaking during an advocacy visit by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) in Abuja, Inuwa acknowledged that while the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) was designed to be universally inclusive, it failed to specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities. This oversight, he said, undermines the goal of equitable digital access.
“There is no way we can achieve 95% digital literacy if we exclude 35 million Nigerians,” Inuwa said. “The framework talks about inclusivity, but without explicitly mentioning PWDs, we miss the opportunity to meet their specific needs.”
The IFA delegation, led by Executive Director Grace Jerry, advocated for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in the NDLF. Jerry highlighted that over 60% of women with disabilities in Nigeria lack basic computer skills, posing a significant barrier to employment and social inclusion.
Inuwa commended IFA for raising these concerns and pledged immediate corrective action. He announced that representatives of PWDs would be included in the upcoming NDLF review committee to ensure their voices and interests are fully represented.
“We must involve them in designing our programs, so that these initiatives truly serve their needs,” he stated, directing that disability-specific standards be immediately integrated into the framework.
In addition to updating the NDLF, Inuwa promised to explore the rollout of tailored training programs for persons with disabilities and ensure their inclusion in NITDA’s strategic partnerships and initiatives.
IFA’s Program Manager, Stephen Idoko, and Research and Legal Lead, Festus Okpeh, also submitted formal recommendations. These called for a disability-inclusive review of the NDLF, prioritization of women and girls with disabilities in digital training, and stronger collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
IFA representative Ms. Tracy Onabis reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to inclusive digital development, noting that IFA’s proposals stemmed from consultations with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities and other key disability stakeholders.
“Our goal is simple,” she said. “To ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
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