Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) trained more than 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) on digital citizenship, cybersecurity, data protection and assistive technologies during a two‑day workshop held on 9 and 10 September 2026. The event, titled “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy,” was part of the regulator’s drive to ensure that disability does not exclude Nigerians from the digital economy.
The programme covered digital foundations, internet and digital communication, basic cybersecurity, data‑protection principles, assistive technologies and responsible participation in online spaces. Participants were introduced to tools such as speech‑to‑text and other accessibility features that can make everyday mobile‑device use more independent.
Attendees said the training changed how they view their safety and independence online. They learned how to protect personal data, spot giveaway scams and avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown parties. The sessions also addressed social realities, highlighting that discrimination often stems from ignorance and should not limit confidence, abilities or societal participation.
“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,”
said Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice‑Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. He added that technology can remove barriers to education, employment and entrepreneurship for PWDs, and affirmed the Commission’s goal of a Nigeria where disability does not determine access to education, public services, jobs or business opportunities.
The Lagos workshop is one component of a broader NCC initiative to deliver digital‑skills training for PWDs across all geopolitical zones. It builds on the regulator’s E‑Accessibility Project, which supplies ICT tools and assistive devices to disability‑focused institutions, and supports research such as a prototype assistive walking stick for the visually impaired. Maida called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, tech companies, service providers, development partners, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities to embed accessibility from the outset of digital product design.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
