In a bold call to action, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has said Nigeria cannot truly achieve digital progress without carrying along the 35 million citizens living with special needs.
Speaking during a meeting with the Inclusive Friends Association—a disability rights advocacy group-Inuwa made it clear that inclusion of the people with special needs must be at the heart of the country’s technology plans if the dream of 95% digital literacy by 2030 is to become reality.
“There’s no 95% without 35 million,” he declared. “We must be intentional. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.”
This strong statement formed the basis of a renewed commitment by NITDA to review its policies, training programmes, and national initiatives to ensure people with disabilities are not sidelined in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a global tech force.
While NITDA has offered training for people with special needs in the past, Inuwa admitted the efforts must now be broadened and deepened. “We already have some facilities in place, even in recruitment. But it’s not enough. We must do more,” he said.
He proposed that representatives from the disability community be given a seat at the table where important ICT policies, training guidelines, and tech standards are developed. According to him, this step will ensure their needs are not just discussed but built into the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The meeting, held at NITDA’s headquarters was strategic moment of reflection and a turning point, as both parties agreed that progress without inclusion is not true progress.
Grace Jerry, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, shared real-life challenges faced by people with disabilities—especially women in northern Nigeria. She stressed that the digital space is quickly becoming a key doorway to jobs and opportunities, and without proper inclusion, “millions will be locked out.”
She urged the government to move quickly and ensure people with disabilities are not just passive beneficiaries but active participants in shaping the digital literacy roadmap.
In response, Inuwa suggested including persons with special needs in national tech programs such as NYSC digital initiatives, women-in-tech trainings, and upcoming tech summits.
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“But it’s beyond just training,” he emphasized. “We want to empower people to use technology to grow their businesses, to live better lives. IT should be a tool in everyone’s hands.”
Inuwa also invited disability-focused groups to work closely with NITDA as long-term partners in building a digital Nigeria that truly works for everyone.
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