Abuja: TECHz Magazine – News Desk
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is taking decisive steps to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are not left behind in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy. In a recent collaboration with the Centre for Inclusive Development (CID), the agency has committed to creating stronger standards and fostering greater digital inclusion across both public and private sectors. Representing NITDA’s Director General, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola emphasized that genuine digital transformation must accommodate every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities.
Recent research presented by disability rights advocate Tracy Onabis Agbamu highlighted a significant digital divide. An audit of approximately 30 government digital platforms revealed that only 47% met the required accessibility thresholds, although NITDA’s own platforms were recognized among the strong performers. The study also exposed considerable accessibility barriers within the private sector, particularly in banking, fintech, and payment platforms. Agbamu noted that such barriers compel persons with disabilities to rely on third parties for digital financial services, exposing them to unnecessary privacy and security risks. She stressed that true digital inclusion requires platforms to be engineered to support assistive technologies and enable independent access.
NITDA has already begun integrating accessibility considerations into its revised website guidelines for government institutions. Moving forward, the agency and CID plan to develop a comprehensive national digital accessibility standard, integrate strict accessibility requirements into government procurement frameworks, and create explicit guidance on accessibility statements for all government websites. These efforts align directly with NITDA’s broader drive to achieve 70% digital literacy nationwide by 2027, ensuring that accessibility transitions from an afterthought to a core component of the nation’s technological infrastructure.
