By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has trained over 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos State on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, data protection and assistive technologies as part of efforts to promote greater inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Department, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the beneficiaries participated in a two-day Digital Citizenship Training for Persons with Disabilities held in Lagos on September 9 and 10, 2026.
The training, themed, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” exposed participants to digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, responsible online behaviour and assistive technologies.
Speaking on the initiative, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said digital inclusion must go beyond internet connectivity to ensure that PWDs have the skills and confidence to participate safely and meaningfully in the digital space.
Maida, represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said the training would help participants protect their personal information, identify online scams and misinformation, safeguard their digital identities and understand their digital rights and responsibilities.
“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.
The NCC chief said digital technology could help remove barriers to education and employment, support entrepreneurship and remote work, improve access to public services and promote greater independence among PWDs 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.
He said the Lagos programme formed part of a broader NCC initiative to provide digital skills training for PWDs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Maida also highlighted the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, research into assistive technologies and the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” as part of efforts to promote a more accessible digital environment.
He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulators, technology companies, development partners, civil society organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure accessibility is integrated into digital products and services from the outset.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital skills, accessibility and online safety to enable PWDs to participate more fully in education, employment, entrepreneurship and other aspects of the digital economy.
