By Gabriella Ogbu
The Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has secured funding from the UK government’s Digital Access Programme, facilitated by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, to launch a comprehensive project aimed at addressing the environmental impact of Nigeria’s burgeoning technology industry.
The initiative, as outlined in an AREAi announcement, will encompass various activities, including data collection, knowledge dissemination, capacity building, media campaigns, and policy advocacy, all geared towards fostering environmentally sustainable practices within Nigeria’s digital sphere.
Dubbed ‘Smart Climate Awareness, Learning, and Empowerment (SCALE) for Net Zero,’ the national project aims to engage ICT corporations, startups, innovation hubs, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the significant environmental consequences of technology and to encourage collaborative efforts to mitigate the digital carbon footprint.
The SCALE program will entail extensive citizen engagement initiatives across strategic technological hubs in several Nigerian states, including Abia, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Collaboration with research institutions, government bodies, technology startups, and civil society organizations will be crucial for effective implementation.
Gideon Olanrewaju, CEO of AREAi, stressed that SCALE will promote eco-consciousness and advocate responsible digital practices among users and maintainers of digital tools and internet devices.
Idongesit Udoh, Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, hailed the initiative as a groundbreaking endeavor that leverages evidence-based, citizen-led approaches to advance digital sustainability awareness. He affirmed the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy through collaborative efforts with local organizations.
