Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is committed to promoting inclusive digital innovation and ensuring that technology serves all Nigerians, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama, highlighted this commitment during the fourth edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show 2026, themed ‘Technology without Barriers’, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 20 contestants participated in the hackathon, with five advancing to compete in the grand finale scheduled for Thursday. Makama, represented by the Director, Zonal Operations, NCC, Mr. Usman Malah, emphasized that the hackathon was more than just a technology competition. It underscored the commission’s dedication to fostering an inclusive digital society where innovation broadens opportunities and empowers all individuals to engage actively in the digital economy.
Makama noted that the initiative showcased young innovators developing practical technological solutions to societal challenges, particularly those affecting PWDs and other underserved communities. She stressed that the NCC remains committed to fostering innovation, promoting indigenous technological development, and ensuring that digital transformation is accessible and beneficial to all Nigerians.
Makama also elaborated on the barriers PWDs and other underserved populations face in accessing communication services, education, healthcare, financial services, employment opportunities, and government platforms. These challenges necessitate innovative solutions that are affordable, practical, and responsive to Nigeria’s realities. Participants are tasked with developing solutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), assistive technologies, voice-enabled communication systems, sign language recognition, and accessible digital services.
The hackathon aims to strengthen collaboration among government, academia, industry, startups, and the innovation community in developing technologies that address national priorities. Investing in young innovators, Makama stated, is an investment in Nigeria’s future, as successful technology ecosystems are built on creativity, resilience, and determination. She urged participants to focus on developing user-friendly, affordable, scalable solutions capable of enhancing the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Director, Digital Economy, NCC, Mrs. Helen Obi, remarked that the hackathon demonstrated the commission’s commitment to promoting indigenous content and developing homegrown solutions for universal access. The initiative aims to address the needs of PWDs and people in rural communities who have been excluded from actively participating in the digital economy.
Obi highlighted focus areas, including AI speech-to-text, real-time sign language translation, voice complaint systems, accessible customer-care services, USSD services, image-to-voice navigation, and inclusive job-matching platforms. The initiative targets FCT-based innovators, particularly Nigerians aged 18 to 25, software developers, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and PWDs. Solutions are to be assessed based on innovation, accessibility, relevance, technical feasibility, scalability, affordability, sustainability, indigenous value addition, presentation, and team capacity.
Expected outcomes include startup creation, local intellectual property development, the promotion of indigenous innovation, and stronger public-private sector collaboration. Obi reiterated that the overall objective of the hackathon is to create inclusive digital opportunities for every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability, location, or background. The program brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, developers, students, and technology enthusiasts to develop practical solutions aimed at improving digital accessibility for PWDs.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria