The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday restated its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting indigenous technological development and ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive, accessible and beneficial to Nigerians, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama, restated this commitment at the fourth edition of the NCC Hackathon Live Show 2026 with the theme “Technology without Barriers”, which featured 20 contestants with five emerging to compete in the grand finale scheduled for today in Abuja.
The Executive Commissioner, who was represented at the event by the Director, Zonal Operations, NCC, Mr. Usman Malah, said the hackathon was more than a technology competition but demonstrated the commission’s commitment to building an inclusive digital society where innovation improved lives, expanded opportunities and empowered everyone to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Makama also maintained that the initiative showcased young innovators developing practical technological solutions to societal challenges, particularly those affecting PWDs and other underserved communities.
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Noting that PWDs and other underserved populations are still facing challenges in accessing communication services, education, healthcare, financial services, employment opportunities and government platforms, the Executive Commissioner explained that such challenges required innovative solutions that were affordable, practical and responsive to Nigeria’s realities.
According to her, through the hackathon competition, the participants will develop solutions in areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), assistive technologies, voice-enabled communication systems, sign language recognition and accessible digital services.
Makama clarified that the hackathon would strengthen collaboration among government, academia, industry, startups and the innovation community in developing technologies that addressed national priorities, stressing that investing in young innovators is an investment in Nigeria’s future.
The industry expert advised the participants to focus on developing solutions that were simple to use, affordable, scalable and capable of improving the quality of life of millions of Nigerians.
Earlier in her address, the commission’s Director, Digital Economy, Mrs. Helen Obi, said the hackathon showed the NCC’s commitment to promoting indigenous content, developing homegrown solutions and building assistive technologies for universal access.
She explained that the initiative was undertaken by the commission address the needs of PWDs and people in rural communities, who had been excluded from actively participating in the digital economy.
Obi listed the focus areas of the competition as 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.
She explained that the overall objective of the hackathon was to create inclusive digital opportunities for every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability, location or background, adding that the expected outcomes of the hackathon include startup creation, local intellectual property development, promotion of indigenous innovation and stronger public-private sector collaboration.
