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 greater participation in the digital economy.
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.”
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said the initiative was part of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not prevent Nigerians from participating fully in the digital economy.
Maida said digital inclusion must extend beyond internet connectivity to include the knowledge and skills required to use digital platforms safely and responsibly.
“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 could help remove barriers to education and employment for Persons with Disabilities while supporting entrepreneurship, remote work, access to information and public services, and greater independence through assistive technologies.
“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,” Maida told the participants.
The Lagos training forms part of a wider NCC initiative to provide digital skills training for Persons with Disabilities across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Maida said the programme builds on other NCC interventions aimed at expanding digital access and inclusion, including the E Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting Persons with Disabilities.
He also highlighted the Commission’s support for research into assistive technologies, including an assistive walking stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons, as well as the fourth NCC Hackathon themed, “Technology Without Barriers.”
The Commission said the interventions were designed around the principle that digital technology should create opportunities rather than new barriers.
Maida said connectivity alone would not deliver meaningful inclusion unless Nigerians also had the knowledge and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and productively.
He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulators, technology companies, service providers, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure accessibility was incorporated into the design and deployment 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 involved in the programme.
Participants were trained on digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
The programme also focused on practical online safety, with participants learning how to protect personal data, identify online scams and avoid disclosing sensitive information to unknown persons.
Some participants were also introduced to accessibility features, including speech to text tools, designed to make the use of mobile devices easier and support greater independence.
The training addressed social challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities, including discrimination, while encouraging participants to build confidence in their abilities and participation in society.