The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasized that Nigeria is limiting its potential when it fails to adequately support women in the digital space.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday to mark the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day 2025 (WTISD-25), the Minister urged the private sector to invest in women-led tech hubs and implement workplace policies that empower women in society.
"We must ensure that no one, especially women and girls, is left behind. The digital economy is not just about infrastructure and innovation but about people," Tijani said, represented by the ministry's Director of National Frequency, Adeyemo Olugbenga.
"When half of our population faces barriers to access, skills and leadership in tech, we are not just failing women, we are limiting Nigeria's potential," he added.
Gender Equality in Digital Transformation
This year's WTISD-25 theme, "Gender Equality in Digital Transformation," highlights the urgent need to address gender disparities in Nigeria's tech ecosystem. The event is celebrated globally by the Telecommunications Community every May 17.
The Minister revealed that despite Nigeria achieving 46.2 percent broadband penetration, a large percentage of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, which significantly hinders their ability to access online services and economic opportunities.
Tijani called on educational institutions to break stereotypes by encouraging girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from primary school to university level.
Call for Collective Action
The Minister urged civil society organizations and media to amplify the stories of women breaking barriers in tech and hold stakeholders accountable for inclusive policies.
"Men and boys should be allies in challenging biases and creating a culture of equality in tech spaces," he emphasized.
Tijani concluded by calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a future where gender equality in the digital space is not just a goal but a reality, stressing that this approach is imperative for Nigeria's technological advancement and economic growth.
