Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Centre for Inclusive Development (CID) to improve digital accessibility and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the country’s digital transformation.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by CID to NITDA, during which the organisation presented findings from its research into digital accessibility for persons with disabilities. Discussions also focused on opportunities to strengthen accessibility standards and expand inclusion across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Representing NITDA’s Director General, Dr Ayodeji Eniola, the agency’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Inuwa, said the research findings were consistent with NITDA’s mandate of ensuring that every Nigerian benefits from the country’s digital transformation.

He explained that NITDA’s digital literacy programme is targeting 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2027, with implementation covering schools, the informal sector and the workforce. According to him, the agency’s objective is to ensure Nigerians can access digital skills and opportunities regardless of their status.

Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA had identified gaps affecting persons with disabilities under its digital literacy framework and had commenced efforts to address them.

He added that the agency was also working towards advancing national accessibility standards, while accessibility considerations had already been included in its revised website guidelines for government institutions.

Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with CID, especially in the areas of digital literacy and accessibility. He emphasised the need for stronger measures to ensure digital technologies effectively meet the needs of all Nigerians.

Presenting the research findings, Nigerian disability rights advocate, lawyer and researcher Tracy Onabis Agbamu disclosed that the study reviewed about 30 government digital platforms and determined that only 47 per cent achieved the required accessibility threshold.

NITDA was among the platforms that recorded strong performance in the assessment. Agbamu linked the agency’s performance to its efforts to promote digital inclusion.

However, the research identified major accessibility difficulties on private-sector platforms, particularly those operating within the banking, fintech and payments sectors.

Agbamu noted that these barriers could leave persons with disabilities dependent on third parties when accessing digital financial services. Such dependence, she said, could expose users to potential privacy and security risks.

She also emphasised that digital inclusion should not be limited to equipping citizens with digital skills. According to her, digital platforms must be developed to accommodate assistive technologies and allow persons with disabilities to access services independently.

Agbamu requested NITDA’s support in developing guidance for accessibility statements on government websites, integrating accessibility requirements into procurement and licensing frameworks, and encouraging the adoption of accessibility standards in critical sectors.

The Centre also requested NITDA’s technical assistance in developing and validating a national digital accessibility standard for Nigeria.

The engagement underscored the importance of making accessibility a core part of Nigeria’s digital transformation as the country continues to expand digital services and participation in the digital economy.

Source: msmeafricaonline