Senate, NCC assure physically challenged on telecoms

ABUJA—THE Senate Committee Chairman on Communications, Senator Sylvester Anyanwu, yesterday in Abuja, declared that the physically challenged people in Nigeria are entitled to relevant telecom tools and that the Senate and other arms of government will ensure that the relevant policies and regulations will be put in place to address them.

Senator Anyanwu who spoke at the National Summit titled “ICTs and accessibility for persons with special needs and the elderly” organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission in Abuja, said “those with disabilities and the elderly were Nigerians, and have equal rights like every other Nigerian.

“You are entitled to necessary communications tool like computers, phones, and internet connection among others, he said.

Chairman, NCC, Alhaji Ahmed Jorda, who chaired the forum said telecom service is universal and everybody must have access to ICT networks no matter the level of disability.

He said,  ICT has provided opportunities for everyone and that a level playing field would be put in place to enhance access, adding that with all service providers coming together to offer special technologies, the situation would be greatly improved.