Tech Specialists Want Online Platforms Accessible To Visually Impaired Persons

As millions of visually impaired Nigerians couldn’t navigate the digital space in the country, tech experts are advocating making online platforms easily accessible for the visually impaired Nigerians.

With the promises of a digital economy, most websites and mobile applications in Nigeria are not designed with accessibility in mind. Despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which mandates equal access to information and services, enforcement remains weak.

Meanwhile, many Nigerian websites, including government portals, still lack basic accessibility features. The Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) also emphasises inclusion, but implementation lags.

A Lagos-based software developer, Tunde Adebayo, who works closely with a visually impaired colleague, said, “Too many platforms assume everyone sees the screen the same way. That’s not reality. We’ve had situations where important forms couldn’t be filled out because the screen reader didn’t pick up any labels. That’s not just frustrating, it’s exclusion.”

To create a more inclusive digital ecosystem, he said, Nigeria’s digital service providers must prioritise accessibility for all users, including those who are blind or visually impaired.

However, analysts have opined that one practical approach is to adopt globally recognised accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 or 2.2). Even as these standards help ensure that digital content is Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

Adebayo added that, “Screen Reader Compatibility is key. Most visually impaired users rely on screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver (on iOS), or TalkBack (on Android).

“To support these tools, developers must use proper semantic HTML, label all interactive elements, and include alternative text (alt text) for all meaningful images.

Without this, screen readers cannot interpret the information, rendering entire sections of a website invisible to users.”

He stressed that in addition to screen reader support, keyboard navigation must be fully functional. “Many visually impaired users navigate with the keyboard rather than a mouse, so all website features should be accessible via the Tab key, with clear focus indicators highlighting where the user is on the page,” he averred.

The expert highlighted that another essential feature is high contrast mode and scalable text, which are crucial for users with low vision. Many websites fail this basic test by using light grey text on white backgrounds or not allowing text to resize without breaking the layout.

Meanwhile, while some said, accessible forms are also critical as all form of fields must be clearly labelled and accompanied by textual instructions, not just visual cues like colour, they suggested that error messages should be easy to understand and not rely on visual effects alone to be noticed.

However, developers are urged to follow platform-specific accessibility guidelines by using accessibility APIs and testing with TalkBack and VoiceOver on mobile apps. The buttons and icons must be clearly labelled, and navigation should be consistent and logical.

On his part, Joseph Ndukwe retorted that it is non-negotiable to involve visually impaired users in testing, and collaborating with organisations such as the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) can provide real feedback that automated tools cannot detect.

He opined that Nigeria’s digital landscape can only become truly inclusive when accessibility is prioritised from the beginning of every project.  He said, “This requires commitment from government agencies, private developers, and policymakers to ensure platforms are compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers and support keyboard navigation.

“I will state that it is essential to understand the visually impaired’s needs and challenges firsthand. And by embedding accessibility into the core of digital development, Nigeria can break down barriers and provide equal access to information and services for all its citizens.”

Tioluwani Ayinde, a visually impaired student, expressed his dissatisfaction over some of the services on Nigeria’s Platforms, adding that, “I use my phone every day, but half the time I’m locked out of key information because the app isn’t built for me, I just want to be able to do what everyone else can access my school portal, fill out a form, and read the news”