The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stressed the need for improved telecommunications services that are sustainable for senior citizens and People With Disabilities (PWD).
The Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta made the call during the 92nd edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), held in Lagos.
The parliament had the theme, ‘Consumer Protection for People Living with Disabilities and the Elderly.’
The EVC emphasized the importance of providing telecommunications services to this segment of the population irrespective of their location.
He also highlighted the need for telecommunications services to be inclusive, leveraging technology to speed up the process and making integration of PWD and senior citizens a priority.
“No one in the society should be disenfranchised when it comes to access to affordable telecommunications services and sustainability of those services.
‘’We have put in place measures to ensure that those services are available everywhere and for all persons irrespective of their locations.
‘’The other one is to ensure affordable cost of those services because the society is so dynamic and services must care first with our growing population, especially the PWD and the elderly who have given a major part of their lives in serving the country,” he said.
According to him, it is important at this stage to recognise people with disabilities and the senior citizens and ensure that the interest of this category of people in the society is represented at this important event.
He appreciated the department of Public Affairs of NCC for the programme because it would throw up ideas to make senior citizens and PWDs enjoy telecommunications services.
In his keynote address, Mr Kamal Tamawa of the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) highlighted the need for affordable products and services for the disabled, increased literacy and skills, and availability of assistive technology.
Some of them, he said, were awareness and availability of products and services, affordability of products and services for persons with disabilities and affordable devices designed by technology companies.
He also said literacy and skills were needed to maximise the potential of mobile devices as an assistive technology.
In his address, the director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mr Alkasim Umar, said that the gathering was to discuss issues that affected Nigerian consumers.
Umar, who was represented by Mr Banji Ojo, said the the programme also aimed at charting a way forward to direct the affairs of consumers, especially physically challenged Nigerians.
He said the programme would create awareness and ensure no one was left behind.
