Volume 2 - Issue 1, January - February 2026

Digital inclusion in Nigeria continues to be shaped by digital coloniality, uneven infrastructural development, linguistic marginalisation, and forms of epistemic injustice. In practice, these conditions often privilege Western digital platforms and dominant knowledge systems, and this is particularly evident in rural communities and among speakers of minority languages. This study is situated within broader debates on digital inequality in postcolonial contexts, with particular attention to Nigeria’s socio-linguistic diversity. Utilising Decolonial Theory and Participatory Media Theory, the synthesis identifies structural barriers to equitable digital engagement and considers how the participatory media community radio stations, local message networks, and indigenous language digital initiatives network support knowledge development, language preservation, as well as inclusive digital citizenship. Decolonial Theory exposes how colonial power continues to shape knowledge systems, social hierarchies and digital infrastructures. On the other hand, Participatory Media Theory highlights co-creation, local agency, and community engagement as key pathways to culturally grounded digital participation. Methodologically, the study relies solely on secondary sources, conducting a conceptual and thematic analysis of academic literature, policy documents, including Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and documented digital initiatives. No primary data were collected. Taken together, the study argues that efforts to advance digital inclusion in Nigeria must move beyond narrowly technological interventions and, instead, address the wider political, cultural, and epistemic conditions that shape equitable digital participation.

Mercy Ufuoma Onowakpor,"Decolonising Digital Inclusion: Participatory Media and Community Knowledge Production in Nigeria" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V2(1): Page(294-307) Jan-Feb 2026. ISSN: 3107-6513. www.ijamred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.