NCC Deploys 84 IT Projects Nationwide to Empower Persons with Disabilities

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by implementing 84 assistive Information Technology (IT) projects across Nigeria. These projects aim to support people with disabilities, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives while promoting policies that cater to the needs of disadvantaged members of society.

The E-Accessibility project, spanning from 2012 to 2020, has been instrumental in providing ICT tools, assistive technologies, training, and Internet access in identified locations throughout the country. Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, reiterated the commission’s unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with special needs nationwide during a recent visit by a delegation from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Abuja.

Danbatta emphasized that the NCC has consistently implemented initiatives aimed at ensuring digital inclusivity for all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances. The telecommunications sector, which has become the backbone of Nigeria’s national economy, has experienced remarkable growth over the years, with over 208 million active telephone lines and 156 million active internet subscriptions.

The NCC’s efforts have contributed to the ICT industry’s significant role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), currently standing at 18.44 percent. Alongside promoting quality service delivery and digital inclusion, the NCC recognizes and aligns with the objectives of the NCPWD, which was established under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.

The NCC’s commitment extends beyond its own staffing efforts, which already adhere to the law’s requirement of employing five percent of persons with disabilities. Through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), the NCC has executed numerous projects within the framework of its E-Accessibility Programme over the last decade, benefiting individuals with visual, auditory, physical, cognitive impairments, and other disabilities. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and promote their inclusion in society.

The NCPWD’s Executive Secretary, James Lalu, commended the NCC for its exceptional work in supporting people with disabilities and sought greater collaboration between the two organizations. Lalu also urged the NCC to encourage telecom service providers to comply with legal requirements, specifically dedicating five percent of their employment quota to persons with disabilities. Lalu highlighted the intelligence, professionalism, and potential contributions that people with disabilities can bring to organizations, emphasizing the importance of creating a discrimination-free environment.

With an estimated 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, the NCC and NCPWD aim to create a comfortable and inclusive country by ending discrimination and implementing effective reporting systems. The NCC has emerged as a strategic and vital partner in this journey, committed to promoting the rights and enhancing the productivity of individuals with disabilities through education, healthcare, and socio-economic programs.

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