NCC Trains Over 100 Persons with Disabilities on Digital Skills in Lagos
Oru Leonard
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 exposed participants to digital foundations, internet and digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, assistive technologies and responsible participation in the digital space.
The NCC said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the programme, NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, represented by the Director, Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said digital inclusion must go beyond providing internet connectivity.
According to Maida, digital citizenship involves the knowledge, skills and responsible behaviours required to participate safely and meaningfully online, protect personal information, recognise scams and misinformation, safeguard digital identity, and understand digital rights and responsibilities.
He said technology could be particularly transformative for PWDs by removing barriers to education and employment, supporting entrepreneurship and remote work, improving access to information and public services, and promoting 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.
Participants were also taught how to protect personal data, identify online scams and avoid disclosing sensitive information to strangers. They were introduced to accessibility features such as speech-to-text tools that can enhance their use of mobile devices.
The training also addressed discrimination against PWDs and encouraged participants to develop confidence in their abilities and participation in society.
Maida said the Lagos programme was part of a broader NCC initiative to provide digital skills training for PWDs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
He highlighted the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, which provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting PWDs, as well as research into assistive technology, including an assistive walking-stick prototype for blind and visually impaired persons.
He also cited the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed “Technology Without Barriers,” which encouraged innovators to develop technology solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion.
The NCC 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 is considered in the design and deployment of digital products and services.
Maida 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 programme.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to promoting connectivity, digital skills, accessibility, online safety and meaningful participation in the digital economy.
