The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its call for the development of locally created technology solutions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital independence and bridge gaps in access to technology.
The commission made the call during the fourth edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show 2026, held in Abuja under the theme, “Technology Without Barriers: Innovative Solutions for Persons with Disabilities.”
The two-day programme brought together 20 young innovators tasked with developing practical and scalable digital solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other underserved communities.
The NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the initiative went beyond a technology competition, describing it as part of the commission’s broader effort to create a digital environment that is accessible to everyone.
Makama, who was represented at the event by the Director of Zonal Operations, Usman Malah, said technological advancement should not be measured solely by sophistication. She stressed that technology should also improve lives, create opportunities and enable more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
She identified access to communication services, education, healthcare, financial services, employment and government platforms as some of the areas where Persons with Disabilities and other underserved groups continue to experience difficulties.
The commission therefore encouraged innovators to develop solutions that are affordable, easy to use and capable of being expanded across different communities.
The Director of the NCC’s Digital Economy Department, Helen Obi, said the commission was particularly interested in technologies that could operate in areas with limited internet connectivity or without continuous access to high-speed data.
According to her, digital inclusion should not depend entirely on strong internet connections or expensive smartphones and other advanced devices.
Some of the solutions developed by participants include artificial intelligence-powered speech-to-text tools, real-time sign-language translation systems, voice-based complaint platforms, accessible customer service solutions and USSD-based services that can function on basic mobile phones.
Other innovations focused on image-to-voice navigation, tools for describing surroundings and digital employment platforms designed to connect Persons with Disabilities with suitable job opportunities.
The hackathon was open to young innovators between the ages of 18 and 35, including software developers, designers, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and Persons with Disabilities residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
Participants were required to develop functional prototypes, demonstrate their solutions and present business models, market strategies, technical designs and pitches.
The NCC said the programme supports its responsibility to promote universal access to communication services regardless of people’s location or physical abilities.
Beyond the competition, the commission expects the initiative to encourage the creation of homegrown technology ventures, strengthen local intellectual property and foster greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The NCC also expressed its commitment to creating opportunities for promising innovations to move beyond the competition stage and eventually be tested, developed and deployed on a wider scale.
The commission urged Nigerian innovators to focus on technology that responds to the country’s specific challenges and provides practical, sustainable solutions for communities.
