FG urged on disability-inclusive digital literacy policy

The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has urged the federal government to act on a disability-inclusive review of the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), to ensure that the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities are not left behind in the federal government’s goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030. Executive Director of IFA, Grace Jerry, […]

The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has urged the federal government to act on a disability-inclusive review of the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), to ensure that the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities are not left behind in the federal government’s goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030.

Executive Director of IFA, Grace Jerry, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during an advocacy meeting with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with the support of Rise Up.

She noted the urgent need to bridge the digital literacy gap within the disability community, particularly among women with disabilities.

She said that over 60 percent of Persons With Disabilities (PWD), in Nigeria are unable to power or operate a computer, indicating the deep digital divide affecting the community.

Jerry said that without basic digital skills, PWDs remain excluded from employment opportunities and national development initiatives, despite their quest and potentials to contribute to national development.

“Although Nigeria has made commendable strides in digital transformation, the current national framework lacks specific provisions and strategies for people with disabilities.

“The work has only begun. But the part that most people don’t even realise is the huge gap that still exists within the disability community.

“For Nigeria to achieve 95 percent digital literacy, the process must be all-inclusive. We want to be part of the review process because nothing about us should be done without us,” she said.

Also, the research and legal officer of IFA, Barrister Joseph Okpe, lamented the consistent exclusion of disability groups in policy formulation and implementation, stating that issues affecting persons with disabilities are often lumped into the broader category of vulnerable groups.

He said that a recent review of the National Digital Literacy Framework by IFA showed that despite over 150 partners contributing to the document, none represented the disability community, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

On his part, Project Coordinator Mr Stephen Idoko noted that the current National Digital Literacy Framework does not recognise PWDs as a unique demography.

He therefore called for disability-inclusive budgeting, accessible digital training formats, and a targeted digital literacy policy that reflects the unique learning needs of persons with disabilities.

Also, Programme Officer of IFA, Tracy Onabis, said that although the federal government aims to achieve 95 percent digital literacy by 2030, critical gaps remain in the framework that must be addressed to ensure this goal is met inclusively.

She said that the measures to be taken must include the PWDs in planning and execution to achieve maximum and positive impacts.

Responding, the Director General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa acknowledged the oversight and assured the group of the agency’s commitment to inclusivity.

He said that 95 percent digital literacy by 2030 cannot be achieved without including the 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.

He noted that NITDA is open to making IFA a strategic partner and including its representatives in the digital literacy framework review committee.

“From today, we will take all these points into consideration. We need to involve you in designing our programmes,” Inuwa said.

He also said that IFA would be integrated into the NYSC digital training programmes and NITDA’s flagship conferences to ensure consistent engagement, empowerment, and representation.

He said, “I never knew that we have up to 35 million people with special needs in Nigeria. So this brought to my attention the need to be more intentional in the way we design our programme.

“There is no way we can achieve 95 per cent when we exclude 35 million Nigerians. Digital skills should not be seen as the end, but a means to economic empowerment, business growth, and inclusion.”