CITAD calls for integration of gender and climate justice in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for urgent integration of gender and climate justice perspectives into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital transformation agenda, warning that failure to do so risks deepening existing inequalities and excluding vulnerable groups from the benefits of the digital economy.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Bjorn Beckman Hall in Kano on Thursday, Project Lead, Fatima Babakura, said the briefing was part of CITAD’s ongoing project, “Greening and Feminist Centering of the National Digital Transformation Agenda,” supported by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).
Babakura explained that despite Nigeria’s progress in innovation, digital trade, data governance, and public sector digitisation, national policies still fall short in recognising the unique challenges faced by women, girls, and climate-impacted communities.
She noted that discussions during CITAD’s fourth webinar, themed “Beyond Connectivity: Mainstreaming Gender and Climate Justice in the Digital Economy Policy Strategy 2020–2030,” showed that the intersection of gender, technology, and environmental concerns “is no longer optional but a critical necessity” for an inclusive and resilient digital future.
“Climate change disproportionately affects women’s access to technology, digital skills, online safety, and economic opportunities,” she said.
“These gaps are worsened by the absence of gender-responsive planning and minimal focus on environmental sustainability within existing digital frameworks.”
According to her, CITAD’s research and community consultations show that feminist and climate justice viewpoints remain largely absent in national digital policy design, implementation, and monitoring, leaving many women—particularly in rural and climate-affected regions—unable to fully benefit from Nigeria’s digital transformation initiatives.
CITAD issued a broad call to action urging the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant agencies to mainstream gender and climate justice into all policy documents.
The organisation also urged policymakers to adopt participatory approaches that include women’s groups, persons with disabilities, youth, and climate-impacted communities in decision-making processes.
Civil society organisations were encouraged to intensify advocacy for inclusive digital governance and strengthen the capacity of grassroots actors, while development partners were asked to support initiatives linking digital rights, gender equality, and climate resilience.
The media was also charged to amplify the challenges faced by marginalized groups and promote accountability in digital policymaking.
“As Nigeria advances toward a fully digital society, the country must decide to follow a transformative path that uplifts all citizens,” Babakura said.
“Integrating gender and climate justice is not just an issue of fairness—it is essential for national sustainability, social cohesion, and long-term development.”