Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and disability advocates have expressed concern over the rising cost of assistive technologies in Nigeria.
The concerns were raised during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day for Assistive Technology, organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) at the School for Arabic Studies (SAS) in Kano.
They called on governments at all levels to make essential devices more affordable and accessible.
Participants at the event said many persons with disabilities are unable to access education, employment opportunities and digital services because they cannot afford assistive devices such as visual aids, Braille materials and mobility tools.
Speaking during a presentation on assistive technology for persons with albinism, Mariya Ishaq of the Albinism Association of Nigeria highlighted the importance of devices and protective materials that help improve learning, mobility and safety.
She identified commonly used aids as magnifying glasses, hand magnifiers, visual aids, sunshades, umbrellas, protective clothing and sunscreen creams, noting that such tools significantly improve the quality of life of persons with albinism.
However, participants lamented that the high cost of these devices places them beyond the reach of many vulnerable individuals, especially in rural communities.
Also speaking, the Vice Principal of the Special Education School (SES), Tudun Maliki, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, called for increased support for persons with disabilities through local production of assistive technologies.
According to him, producing such devices within Nigeria would reduce costs and lessen dependence on imported products.
He also drew attention to the shortage of Braille paper in special education schools and called for urgent intervention.
The stakeholders urged government authorities to increase budgetary allocations for assistive devices, remove import duties on relevant equipment, establish assistive technology resource centres and strengthen the implementation of disability-inclusive policies.
Earlier, CITAD’s PWD Clcoordinator, Hamza Aminu Fagge, described assistive technology as a vital tool for promoting inclusion and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society.
He said assistive devices play a crucial role in enabling persons with disabilities to access education, employment, governance and other opportunities, stressing that many remain excluded due to accessibility challenges.
