Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for increased investment in locally developed accessible technologies to bridge digital exclusion and unlock opportunities for millions of Nigerians. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call at the fourth edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of technology in providing equal access to the digital economy, especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama, highlighted the creativity and ingenuity of young Nigerians as a significant economic resource. He underscored the World Bank estimates, which indicate that about 25 million Nigerians experience at least one form of disability, with around 3.6 million facing significant difficulties in functioning. Maida warned that without prioritizing accessibility, digitalization could exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly in employment and education.
He identified major challenges confronting PWDs, such as the cost of devices, inaccessible digital platforms, inadequate digital skills, and limited access to affordable assistive technologies. Maida emphasized the hackathon’s role in developing solutions to these challenges, promoting technology as a means to remove barriers rather than create new ones. He also stressed that accessible technologies could unlock untapped markets, expand consumer participation, and integrate more Nigerians into the formal economy as creators, entrepreneurs, and digital citizens.
Maida noted the initiative’s contribution to transforming Nigeria from a passive importer of foreign software to a creator of locally engineered assistive technologies. Participants in the hackathon developed solutions such as indigenous AI-powered speech-to-text technologies, voice-enabled public service platforms, accessible USSD solutions, and inclusive mobile applications. He encouraged contestants to continue refining their innovations and called on venture capitalists and other stakeholders to support these efforts through investment and partnerships.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 20 contestants presented solutions at the hackathon, with five making it to the grand finale. Sora emerged as the overall winner, followed by Clear Signal, Ikor, Axol, and Aditus. Ms. Chinyelu Chikwendu, Senior Manager, Strategy and Innovation at MTN Nigeria, commended the NCC for its support of innovation and solutions for PWDs, expressing MTN’s commitment to supporting and employing PWDs. She also reaffirmed the company’s transition to a digitally driven organization willing to support startups and promising innovations.
Mr. Abdulhaqq Somoye, developer of Sora, explained that the platform was created to address gaps in existing job recruitment platforms, inspired by the Federal Government’s policy requiring most government organizations to allocate at least five percent of their workforce to PWDs. Sora is designed as a dedicated recruitment platform for PWDs, enabling employers to identify candidates based on their skills and qualifications.