AREAi Unveils Bold Strategy For Nigeria’s Digital Sustainability

The Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has revealed an ambitious plan to utilize its digital expertise in driving sustainability initiatives nationwide.

With support from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Digital Access Programme (DAP), AREAi introduces the Climate Awareness, Learning, and Empowerment (SCALE) for NetZero programme.

This initiative aims to foster environmental consciousness and responsible digital practices within Nigeria’s burgeoning technology sector.

During the launch in Abuja, AREAi Project Manager, Gideon Olanrewaju emphasised the initiative’s goal of promoting environmental awareness and advocating for responsible digital practices in the utilisation and maintenance of digital tools and internet devices.

Olanrewaju reiterated AREAi’s commitment to aligning technology producers, consumers, and stakeholders with eco-consciousness, envisioning a greener, more sustainable digital future for Nigeria.

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He said, “Under the theme “Smart Climate Awareness, Learning, and Empowerment (SCALE) for Net Zero,” the initiative will engage directly with ICT companies, digital startups, innovation hubs, and other key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem to raise awareness about the environmental impact of technology and mobilise collective action to reduce digital carbon footprint.”

Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, Idongesit Udoh highlighted the significance of this initiative in fostering digital sustainability awareness and responsible technology use through evidence-based strategies driven by citizens.

Udoh stressed the importance of environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically viable technology adoption.

Meanwhile, the SCALE initiative Public Affairs and External Communications Specialist,Oluwaseun Durojaiye emphasised the programme’s focus on capacity building.

Durojaiye said, “Plans include developing a web and mobile-based open-source measurement tool following international standards, enabling technology stakeholders to access, measure, track, and report their digital environmental footprint efficiently.

“This tool will integrate features such as Life Cycle Assessment, Digital Carbon Footprint Estimation, and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment to ensure comprehensive measurement and reporting.”

The Digital Communications & Content Development Specialist,Temilade Salami highlighted the importance of public engagement in driving change.

She outlined plans for tailored online and offline advocacy activities, including podcasts and YouTube discussions, to raise awareness and inspire action, fostering a culture of sustainability within the tech ecosystem.

The Outreach and Stakeholders Engagement Lead, Micheal Abdullahi stressed the importance of collaboration with both public and private sector entities.

Abdullahi highlighted the initiative’s aim to engage regulatory bodies, environmental agencies, and governmental departments to enact meaningful policy changes and drive systemic transformation.

He said, “The SCALE for NetZero Program represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for Nigeria’s tech industry. Through concerted efforts and collective action, stakeholders are poised to address the environmental challenges posed by digital transformation, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.”