No fewer than 68% of Nigerian women do not own a smartphone, hindering their ability to access online services and economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed its commitment to ensure that 70% of Nigerian women and girls are equipped with advanced digital skills by 2027.

Also, the government is partnering with the African Development Bank (AFDB), the World Bank, and private investors to provide grants and low-interest loans for women-led tech startups.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), being commemorated on May 17th every year, stated that as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation journey, it wants to ensure that no one, especially women and girls, is left behind.

He stated that the digital revolution will only be truly transformative when it is truly inclusive and emphasised the need to build a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality.

Tijani noted that while Nigeria has achieved 46.2% broadband penetration, the digital economy is not just about infrastructure and innovation but about people, adding that when half of the population faces barriers to access, skill, and leadership in tech, the government is not just failing women, but limiting Nigeria?s potential.

Represented by the Director, National Frequency Management Council Secretariat in the ministry, Engr. Adeyemo Adetunji Olugbenga, the minister observed that achieving gender equality in digital transformation cannot be the work of the government alone and urged the private sector to adopt gender-responsive hiring practices, invest in women-led tech hubs, and support workplace policies that empower women.

He observed that the ministry has embarked on several critical initiatives and programmes to drive inclusive growth and develop the nation?s digital economy.

Tijani noted that the Federal Government has launched the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) (2004-2077) to promote digital inclusivity for women, with a focus on providing safe online spaces and empowering women in technology-driven industries.

On skills development, the minister said that the government has scaled up initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talents (MTT) Programme, the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, Digital Nigeria, Local Content and Capacity.

The minister also said that the government, through the ministry, is strengthening cybersecurity and anti-harassment measures to protect women online.

The minister emphasized the need to break stereotypes by encouraging girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from primary school to university.

He called on the Civil Society and the media to amplify the stories of women breaking barriers in tech and hold stakeholders accountable for inclusive policies.

Tijani noted that the theme of this year, ?Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,? is not just timely, it is imperative, adding that when barriers prevent women and girls from accessing technology, acquiring digital skills, or leading in tech-driven industries, we do not just limit their potential, we limit the world?s potential.

He observed that the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) was created to raise awareness of the benefits of the use of the Internet and ICT Technology and how digital innovations can help to connect the entire world and to unlock sustainable prosperity. Digital innovation can help to tackle the world?s most pressing challenges, like the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to fight climate change and to eliminate poverty. (The Guardian)

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