CITAD demands gender climate justice, Says ‘Tech Transformation must be green, equitable’
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda to be firmly anchored on gender equity and climate justice, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved through inclusive and environmentally conscious development.
Project Lead, Fatima Babakura, explained that the initiative aims to ensure Nigeria’s digital future is not only innovative but also fair, sustainable, and inclusive of marginalized communities.
She made this known at a press briefing held in Kano, the organization urged both government and private stakeholders to integrate gender and climate considerations into the country’s digital and environmental frameworks.
The event, held at Bjorn Beckman Hall, provided updates on CITAD’s ongoing project titled “Greening and Feminist Centering of the National Digital Transformation Agenda,” supported by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).
Project Lead, Fatima Babakura, explained that the initiative aims to ensure Nigeria’s digital future is not only innovative but also fair, sustainable, and inclusive of marginalized communities.
She said the project seeks to promote social inclusion and environmental protection as essential components of the nation’s technological growth.
According to her, “Building an equitable digital future for Nigeria must start with ensuring that women and marginalized groups are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and resources to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital and green transition.”
Babakura stressed that digital literacy has become a necessity for economic inclusion, urging that the country’s digital drive should not be limited to urban elites but extended to rural women, youth, and local communities.
The press briefing followed a recent CITAD webinar on “Digital Skills, Green Jobs, and Gender Equity: Aligning Nigeria’s Policies for a Just Transition,” which brought together key stakeholders from civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth organizations. Participants agreed that digital innovation and environmental sustainability must advance together to ensure a just and inclusive transformation.
CITAD expressed concern over Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality—issues that disproportionately affect women and vulnerable groups.
The organization urged the Federal Government to embed gender and climate justice into the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030).
It also called on development partners and the private sector to invest in green and digital skills for women and youth, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and encouraged institutions to adopt gender-responsive budgeting and planning mechanisms.
CITAD further emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and charged the media and advocacy networks to amplify public awareness on the interconnections between gender, technology, and climate justice.
Reaffirming the organization’s commitment, Babakura concluded, “Technology must serve people, protect the planet, and uphold principles of equity and justice. Nigeria’s digital future must be green, equitable, and guided by principles that ensure no one is left behind.”