In a decisive push for a more inclusive digital economy, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for deliberate integration of persons with special needs into Nigeria’s technology development agenda.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Inclusive Friends Association, a disability rights group led by its Executive Director Grace Jerry, Inuwa stressed the need to intentionally design NITDA’s programmes and policies to cater to the estimated 35 million Nigerians with special needs.
“This brought to my attention the need to be more intentional in the way we design our programs, because there is no way we can achieve 95 per cent digital inclusion if we exclude 35 million Nigerians,” Inuwa said.
The meeting, held at NITDA’s corporate headquarters, aligns with the Presidential priority of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth.
Inuwa acknowledged the agency’s past efforts in conducting targeted ICT training for people with special needs but pledged a renewed and expanded commitment across all regions of the country.
The NITDA DG highlighted existing inclusive facilities in the agency’s offices and inclusive hiring practices, but said further action was required: “We must go further and make sure our programs reflect this inclusion.”
As part of a broader strategy, Inuwa proposed the formal inclusion of representatives from the disability community in key national ICT policy development committees.
“Their involvement will not only ensure representation but also enhance implementation by moving beyond bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he stated.
He also advocated integrating special needs considerations into national initiatives such as the NYSC tech programme, women’s training cohorts, and upcoming national tech conferences.
“For us, it’s beyond just training. The real goal is empowerment—how we can train people to use IT to expand their businesses and improve their lives,” he added.
Calling for deeper partnerships, Inuwa invited disability-focused organisations to collaborate with NITDA in shaping a truly inclusive digital economy.
“Whatever you do, you need IT as a tool. So, let us make sure everyone, regardless of ability, is equipped to use it,” he concluded.
In her remarks, Grace Jerry applauded NITDA’s openness and stressed the urgency of including people with disabilities, especially women in northern Nigeria, in digital literacy efforts.
“Digital literacy is fast becoming a foundational skill for employment. Without deliberate inclusion, millions will be left behind,” she warned.
Jerry urged NITDA to ensure that people with disabilities are actively represented in the ongoing implementation and review of the national digital literacy framework to ensure the government’s 2030 goal of 95 per cent digital literacy is truly inclusive.
