NITDA to develop national digital accessibility standards for PWDs

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to develop national digital accessibility standards to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) can participate in Nigeria’s digital economy independently and securely.

The agency intends to strengthen its collaboration with the Centre for Inclusive Development (CID) to address significant gaps in digital inclusion and prevent the exclusion of Nigerians with disabilities from the country’s digital transformation.

Research shows gaps in banking and fintech accessibility

The initiative follows research findings presented by disability rights advocate and researcher Ms Tracy Onabis Agbamu. An audit of approximately 30 government digital platforms revealed that only 47 per cent met the required accessibility thresholds.

While the assessment identified NITDA’s own platforms as performing strongly, Agbamu highlighted considerable accessibility challenges within the private sector. Specifically, the banking, fintech, and digital payment sectors showed significant barriers to entry for PWDs.

These barriers create a critical security and privacy risk. Agbamu noted that poor platform design compels persons with disabilities to rely on third parties to access digital financial services, which exposes them to potential fraud and data compromise.

NITDA to integrate accessibility into government guidelines

Representing NITDA Director General Dr Ayodeji Eniola, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Inuwa, stated that the agency has already identified gaps within its digital literacy framework. He confirmed that accessibility considerations are being incorporated into NITDA’s revised website guidelines for government institutions.

The agency is also working toward a nationwide digital literacy target of 70 per cent by 2027, with a commitment to ensuring these skills are accessible to all Nigerians regardless of their physical status.

To address identified systemic gaps, CID has called on NITDA to:

• Develop guidance on accessibility statements for government websites.
• Integrate accessibility requirements into national procurement and licensing frameworks.
• Provide technical support for the validation of a national digital accessibility standard.

The agency’s next steps involve deepening technical collaboration with the CID to ensure digital tools are effectively cascaded across the country.