Disability advocates, tech professionals trained on promoting digital accessibility
The Center for Inclusive Development (CID), with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), has concluded a series of digital accessibility trainings under its Enhancing Digital Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria (EDAPDN) project. Held from April 28 to 30, 2026, the trainings brought together representatives of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), IT […]
The Center for Inclusive Development (CID), with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), has concluded a series of digital accessibility trainings under its Enhancing Digital Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria (EDAPDN) project.
Held from April 28 to 30, 2026, the trainings brought together representatives of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), IT professionals, and technology developers for intensive sessions on digital accessibility auditing, advocacy, and inclusive design.
For millions of Nigerians with disabilities, the digital space remains far from inclusive. Websites without text alternatives exclude blind users, while videos without captions and audio content without transcripts shut out deaf persons. Platforms designed solely for mouse navigation create barriers for persons with motor disabilities, and many banking and fintech applications still fail to incorporate accessibility standards.
In addition, e-registration portals — including systems used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — often contain language too complex for persons with cognitive disabilities. Poor colour contrast, unclear error notifications, and missing image descriptions further limit access to essential digital services.
These barriers continue to deny millions of Nigerians equal access to public services, economic opportunities, and civic participation, despite the fact that most accessibility challenges can be addressed through deliberate design and compliance with established standards.
Nigeria already has a legal and policy framework supporting accessibility. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 mandates both public and private institutions to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. Similarly, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has prioritised inclusive digital infrastructure under its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021–2024 and SRAP 2.0), while the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) are increasingly referenced in government procurement standards.
However, according to CID, a major gap has remained in the practical understanding, implementation, and enforcement of digital accessibility obligations.
The two-day training for OPD representatives focused on the fundamentals of web accessibility, Nigeria’s legal and policy environment, and international WCAG standards. Participants also received hands-on training in identifying accessibility barriers on government and organisational websites using professional testing tools and screen readers.
Speaking during the programme, Isaiah Ude, Programme Manager of the EDAPDN Project at CID, said the initiative was designed to strengthen both awareness and technical capacity within the disability community.
“Beyond awareness, we want these organisations to have the technical capacity — the ability to audit digital platforms, identify errors, and use that evidence to push for change. We expect OPDs to lead accessibility audits and drive digital accessibility advocacy in their own right,” Ude said.
A separate one-day training for developers and IT professionals on April 30 focused on building inclusive digital products and services. The session explored how persons with different disabilities interact with digital platforms and the assistive technologies they rely on, including screen readers, keyboard navigation tools, and switch controls.
Participants were also introduced to Nigeria’s legal requirements on accessibility, with facilitators stressing that accessible design is not merely a best practice, but increasingly a legal and contractual obligation.
Ude noted that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy must not exclude persons with disabilities.
“Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is growing fast, and that is a good thing. But growth that leaves persons with disabilities behind is not progress but exclusion. The developers and IT professionals who attended this training build platforms and applications. If they carry accessibility into their work from this point forward, the impact will be felt far beyond this project,” he said.
Digital accessibility expert and lead trainer, David Owumi, emphasised that disability inclusion is fundamentally about removing environmental barriers.
“Disability inclusion is about the environment and not the persons living with temporary or permanent impairments. We have a responsibility to create channels that guarantee access for all — online and offline,” Owumi said.
CID explained that the trainings form part of the broader EDAPDN project aimed at driving long-term improvements in how Nigeria’s digital ecosystem serves persons with disabilities.
The organisation added that it is continuing engagement with government institutions, private sector actors, and disability advocacy groups to promote a future where accessibility becomes a standard feature of digital development in Nigeria.
Participants at the training also pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their advocacy and professional work.
Communications Officer at the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiatives (AWWDI), Otono Oshioriamhe, said accessibility must be treated as a core component of inclusion.
“If a person cannot access your website, your service is not truly inclusive. AWWDI is bringing these lessons back into our work and pushing even harder for accessibility in every space,” Oshioriamhe said.
Technology developers who attended the workshop also committed to reviewing the accessibility standards of their existing projects and incorporating inclusive design principles into future products.
Michael Junior Agom, a tech expert at Paycrest Inc., described the training as an important reality check for developers.
“Accessibility isn’t a feature you add later. It’s part of the foundation. This session opened up honest conversations about how digital products are designed, what gets missed, and what it takes to build systems that actually work for everyone. Same goal, but with more people ready to make it real. Let’s get to work,” Agom said.