The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital development after completing a two-day digital literacy training for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.

The training, organised under NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, equipped 50 participants with practical digital skills to enhance their participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Speaking at the programme, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the initiative shows the agency’s determination to make accessibility a core part of Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.

He noted that true digital progress cannot be achieved if persons with disabilities are excluded.

“In many cases, the problem is not the absence of digital tools but the lack of accessibility,” Inuwa said.

He explained that digital platforms that do not support assistive technologies, captioned content and accessible websites often shut out persons with disabilities and limit their opportunities.

The NITDA boss said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusivity at the centre of national development. He stressed that persons with disabilities should be seen as contributors to economic growth when given the right skills and technologies.

“When equipped with the right skills and technologies, persons with disabilities become innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute meaningfully across sectors,” he emphasised.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s wider digital literacy drive, noting that the DL4ALL programme is part of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

He noted that the initiative spans the informal sector, education sector, and workforce readiness programmes, and has trained over 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory since September 2024.

“This programme is not merely a pilot. It is proof that inclusive and intentional training works, and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities,” Inuwa added.

The NITDA DG commended Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED for their roles in delivering the training, describing the partnership as a strong example of how government and civil society can work together to promote inclusive development.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SIMBED, Daniel Onunkwo, described the training as a major step towards closing the digital inclusion gap for persons with disabilities. He said SIMBED remains committed to expanding digital empowerment opportunities for PWDs.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, represented by Tracy Agbamu, praised NITDA for showing strong leadership in promoting inclusion. She urged participants to use the skills acquired and support digital inclusion within their communities.