The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) warns that a lack of women in leadership roles within Nigeria’s ICT sector is stalling progress toward inclusive digital growth. Fatima Babakura, the organization’s Gender Coordinator, highlighted research indicating that women hold few decision-making positions in institutions driving the nation’s digital agenda.
The study, titled A Head Count on Women Participation in Digital Policy Making in ICT Related Agencies in Nigeria, notes that current female representation on boards and in management falls well short of goals established by the National Gender Policy. CITAD emphasizes that the gender divide involves not just access to technology, but also a lack of influence in the creation and implementation of digital policies.
While CITAD acknowledges the Nigerian Communications Commission’s recent efforts to boost female leadership, they maintain that training programs must be paired with structural institutional reforms. To achieve lasting change, the group advocates for a national gender digital inclusion agenda, consistent gender audits, and mandatory accountability measures within ICT agencies. CITAD urges stakeholders to transition from rhetoric to concrete action by setting clear targets for female participation and ensuring transparent reporting.