The Nigerian Communications Commission has called on telecom operators, investors and other stakeholders to support technology solutions designed to improve digital access for persons with disabilities.

The NCC made the call on Thursday at the grand finale of the fourth edition of its Hackathon Live Show in Abuja, themed “Technology Without Barriers: Innovative Solutions for Persons with Disabilities.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the NCC had provided a platform for innovators but needed private-sector support to take their solutions from prototypes to products capable of reaching users nationwide.

Maida identified the high cost of devices, inaccessible digital platforms, limited digital skills and the shortage of affordable assistive technologies as some of the barriers preventing persons with disabilities from fully participating in the digital economy.

He cited World Bank estimates putting the number of Nigerians living with at least one form of disability at about 25 million, with approximately 3.6 million experiencing significant difficulties in functioning.

He also noted that the International Labour Organisation had reported that persons with disabilities were twice as likely to be outside employment, education or training.

According to him, the exclusion could affect access to education, employment, financial services, healthcare and other essential services as more activities move online.

The hackathon featured solutions including AI-powered speech-to-text tools, voice-enabled public platforms, accessible USSD services and inclusive mobile applications.

Maida urged the innovators to develop their prototypes into viable businesses and appealed to venture capitalists, telecom operators and other stakeholders to invest in the solutions.

He said the NCC had created the “launchpad”, but commercial viability and nationwide adoption required private-sector support.

At the end of the competition, Sora emerged winner and received N3 million, while Clear Signal and Ikor placed second and third, receiving N2 million and N1 million respectively.

Sora developed an inclusive job-matching and adaptive-skills platform for verified persons with disabilities, connecting them with government agencies and inclusive employers while providing tailored learning opportunities.

Clear Signal developed a notification platform to keep blind, visually impaired and deaf electricity consumers informed about developments concerning their power supply, while Ikor created an assistive AI voice-dictation and writing solution.

The NCC said the hackathon formed part of its wider efforts to promote indigenous innovation, digital inclusion and affordable technology solutions addressing challenges faced by Nigerians.