CITAD advocates gender, climate justice in Nigeria’s digital policies

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the review of Nigeria’s existing digital policies to integrate gender equality and climate justice principles for inclusivity and sustainable growth.

The Project Lead, Hajiya Fatima Babakura, made the call on Monday while briefing newsmen in Kano.

She said the organisation was implementing a project titled “Greening and Feminist Centering of the National Digital Transformation Agenda” with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).

Babakura explained that the initiative combined research and stakeholder consultations aimed at mainstreaming technology, feminist principles and climate justice into Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

She noted that Nigeria’s digital economy was projected to contribute 10 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025, but warned that climate-related losses currently cost the country about two per cent of GDP annually.

According to her, persistent gender inequalities also remain a challenge, as women are 12.5 per cent less likely than men to access the internet and account for only 22 per cent of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

“The Greening and Feminist Centering Project underscores the urgency of addressing these gaps, because women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, food insecurity and poverty, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making on digital and environmental policies,” she said.

Babakura added that investing in women was both a moral and economic imperative, citing research showing that women’s empowerment could increase agricultural productivity by up to 25 per cent.

She recalled that CITAD, in August, hosted a webinar on “Examining Nigeria’s Gender and Climate Justice Spectrum: Exploring the Gaps in our Digital Policy Networking,” which brought together policymakers, activists and community leaders.

According to her, one of the highlights of the discussions was the need to embed gender-sensitive and climate-conscious strategies within Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030).She stressed the importance of ensuring women not only benefit from digital transformation but also take leadership roles in shaping policies, innovations and solutions.

“The project will continue to engage stakeholders across Nigeria, advancing evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue to close the gender digital divide and promote climate-resilient digital innovation,” she said.

Babakura further warned that the negative impacts of technology on the environment must not be underestimated, stressing the need for urgent and proactive measures to secure the planet.She reiterated the call for a review of existing digital policies to incorporate gender and environmental concerns.