The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has warned that Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda is failing to recognise the needs of women, girls and communities already affected by climate change.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday in Kano, CITAD said national digital policies continue to grow but still leave behind those who are most vulnerable.
Fatima Babakura, the Project Lead who spoke on behalf of the Executive Director, Y.Z Yau said the organisation’s latest findings show that gender and climate justice perspectives are missing in key policy documents.
According to her, “it has become increasingly clear that the intersection of gender, technology, and the environment is no longer an optional discussion. It is a critical necessity if Nigeria wants an inclusive and resilient digital future.”
She explained that while new frameworks are being introduced to support innovation, data governance and digital trade, many of them do not address how climate change affects women’s access to technology, digital skills, online safety and economic opportunities.
“These blind spots are compounded by the lack of gender-responsive planning and the minimal visibility of environmental sustainability in digital governance frameworks.
“Our research and consultative engagements reveal that feminist and climate justice viewpoints remain largely underrepresented in the design, implementation, and monitoring of national digital policies. Women in rural and climate-affected regions continue to face barriers in accessing digital resources, participating in decision-making spaces, and benefiting fully from the opportunities provided by Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Without deliberate integration of gender and environmental considerations, digital transformation risks deepening existing inequalities and limiting the potential of technology as a driver of resilience and sustainable development,” she revealed.
The organisation issued a call to action to government ministries, civil society groups, donors and the media.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to prioritise mainstreaming gender and climate justice across all digital frameworks.
Babakura also called on policymakers to adopt participatory approaches that include women’s groups, young people, persons with disabilities and climate-affected communities in every stage of policy development.
She added that that development partners should support initiatives that link digital rights, gender equality and climate resilience, while the media should shine more light on the realities faced by marginalised groups in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“As Nigeria advances toward a fully digital society, the country must make a conscious decision to embrace a transformative path that uplifts all citizens.
“Integrating gender and climate justice into digital policy is not just a matter of fairness it is a prerequisite for national sustainability, social cohesion, and long-term development,” Babakura added.
CITAD restated its commitment to supporting a fair and sustainable digital future.
