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The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged the Federal Government to reassess Nigeria’s 2023 Digital Economy Strategic Plan, pointing out shortcomings in gender inclusion and environmental protection.
Fatima Babakura, Project Lead for the Greening and Feminist Centering of the National Digital Transformation Agenda revealed this while speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday.
According to Babakura, the current plan prioritizes technological expansion and economic efficiency but does not adequately address the social and environmental costs of digital development.
“Digital policies are not neutral. When justice considerations are ignored, they often reproduce and deepen existing inequalities,” Babakura said.
She pointed out that the plan barely mentions women and girls and does not set clear goals, timelines, or ways to hold anyone accountable for removing the obstacles they face.
She added that problems like women having less access to digital skills, being left out of new technology sectors, and receiving little support for women-led digital businesses are still mostly ignored.
Babakura also warned about the environmental effects of growing digital infrastructure, including data centres, broadband networks, and ICT equipment.
“The current strategy makes no provision for environmental impact assessments, e-waste management systems, or the adoption of renewable and low-carbon energy solutions. This omission exposes vulnerable communities to environmental harm,” Babakura said.
She called on the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, together with the Ministries of Environment and Women Affairs, to include gender equality and environmental sustainability in every part of the digital economy policy.
“Policy making should take a multidisciplinary approach, considering how technology, society, and the environment are all connected.
“Nigeria stands at a critical moment. The digital economy has the potential to drive inclusive growth and national development, but only if it is intentionally designed to be gender-responsive and environmentally sustainable,” she added.
CITAD calls for review of digital economy plan over gender, climate concerns
