The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working towards further developing and potentially commercialising an assistive walking stick prototype designed to support people who are blind or visually impaired, as the regulator intensifies efforts to make technology more accessible.
Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the opening of a digital citizenship training for persons with disabilities organised by the commission.
Maida, who was represented by Helen Obi, director of Digital Economy at the NCC, said the commission was seeking to move assistive technology beyond research and prototypes to solutions that respond to the evolving needs of users.
According to him, the assistive walking stick is one of the innovations supported through the commission’s research and innovation initiatives, particularly its Professorial Chair Initiative.
He said the NCC was working towards further developing the prototype and potentially commercialising it, while ensuring that the technology remained responsive to emerging technologies and the needs of persons with disabilities.
The development comes as the telecoms regulator broadens its digital inclusion agenda from connectivity to accessibility, recognising that access to devices and broadband alone does not guarantee meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Maida identified inaccessible digital products, high device and connectivity costs, inadequate digital skills and limited involvement of persons with disabilities in technology design as major barriers to digital participation.
He said effective digital inclusion required appropriate devices, affordable and reliable broadband, accessible platforms, digital skills and secure digital systems.
‘Digital technology should create opportunities, not create new barriers,’ Maida stressed.
He said technology could significantly improve access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, public services and information for persons with disabilities, making inclusion central to the NCC’s digital transformation agenda.
The commission has also deployed an e-Accessibility Project that provides ICT tools and assistive technologies to institutions supporting persons with disabilities.
Maida cited the fourth NCC Hackathon, themed ‘Technology Without Barriers,’ as another initiative through which the commission is encouraging the development of accessible technological solutions.
Beyond physical accessibility, he said the NCC’s digital citizenship programme was designed to equip persons with disabilities with practical skills to use digital tools safely, responsibly and productively.
He said digital citizenship extends beyond operating smartphones and computers to include responsible online behaviour, protection of personal information, identification of scams and misinformation, and awareness of digital rights.
Michael Idah, country programme manager, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Nigeria Office, commended the NCC for using digital skills to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Idah said CBM, which operates across 22 states, supports disability inclusion, skills development, livelihood opportunities and access to vocational training.
He urged stakeholders to translate the training into tangible opportunities in learning, employment, entrepreneurship, advocacy and leadership, while encouraging participants to become champions of digital inclusion.
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, general manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), described the initiative as an important step towards preventing persons with disabilities from being excluded from the digital society.
She said digital literacy had become essential for education, employment, entrepreneurship, access to information and meaningful participation in society.
Oyetunde-Lawal urged participants to convert the knowledge gained from the programme into economic independence, employment opportunities and greater participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
She pledged LASODA’s continued collaboration with relevant institutions to build an inclusive Lagos where disability would not constitute a barrier to opportunity, innovation and participation.