Nigeria’s digital transformation at risk without gender, climate justice – CITAD warns

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has sounded the alarm on the need to integrate gender and climate justice into Nigeria’s digital transformation, warning that failure to do so could deepen inequalities and limit the potential of technology as a tool for sustainable development.

Project Lead at CITAD, Fatima Babakura, disclosed this during a media briefing held on Thursday, adding that the organization’s ongoing project under the “Greening and Feminist Centring of the National Digital Transformation Agenda” seeks to ensure women, girls, and climate-affected communities are not left behind in the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, Y.Z Ya’u, Babakura highlighted key findings from the project, emphasizing the critical need to address the intersection of gender, technology, and the environment in building an inclusive and resilient digital future.

“Recent engagements, including our fourth webinar session themed Beyond Connectivity: mainstreaming gender and climate justice in the digital economy policy strategy 2020-2030, have shown that this intersection is no longer optional,” Babakura said.

She stressed that current digital policies insufficiently address the unique vulnerabilities of women and communities affected by climate change, leaving many without access to technology, digital skills, or economic opportunities.

Read Also: NACCIMA seeks to position Nigeria in global Halal economy

Bakura added that CITAD’s research indicates that feminist and climate justice perspectives remain largely absent from national digital policy frameworks.

Women in rural and climate-impacted areas continue to face barriers in accessing digital resources and participating in decision-making processes.

Babakura warned that without deliberate interventions, the country risks widening existing inequalities and undermining the promise of digital innovation.

The briefing also included a call to action urging government agencies, policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media to prioritize inclusivity and environmental sustainability in digital governance.

CITAD and its partner, the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to promote a digital ecosystem grounded in equity, sustainability, and justice.

As Nigeria moves toward a fully digital society, CITAD emphasized that integrating gender and climate considerations into digital policy is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for national sustainability, social cohesion, and long-term development.