The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has raised strong concern over new statistics released by Sightsavers Nigeria, which revealed that over 4.25 million Nigerians are either blind or visually impaired, yet only 4.4 percent have access to essential eye health care services.
The report noted that poor access to eye care not only affects health but also has severe economic consequences, as vision loss leads to reduced productivity, lower income, and educational setbacks, costing Nigeria billions of naira annually in lost productivity.
Speaking on the report, CITAB’s Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho, described the situation as both alarming and unacceptable, stressing that the nation’s failure to prioritize the needs of the visually impaired reflects a deeper systemic problem.
“This 4.4 percent access rate is not just an alarming health statistic; it is a national shame and a red flag,” he said.
According to Fenemigho, the lack of access to adequate eye health care highlights the broader exclusion of blind Nigerians from essential aspects of life, including education, technology, and economic participation.
“If blind Nigerians are unable to secure even the minimal eye health care they deserve, how much more are they missing out on accessible technology, public infrastructure, education, and fair economic opportunity?” he asked.
He further lamented that the neglect of visually impaired citizens symbolizes a country that has failed to uphold its values of inclusion and justice.
“This is not just about eyes that cannot see; it is about a country that has chosen to look the other way,” he stated. “The result is devastating, not only is valuable human potential being wasted, but our shared values of dignity, justice, and inclusion are being undermined every day.”
In response to the growing crisis, CITAB has called for urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government to address the inequalities faced by blind Nigerians. The organization emphasized the need for practical policies that ensure accessibility, independence, and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of disability.
Among its recommendations, CITAB proposed mandatory digital accessibility, urging that all government and financial digital platforms undergo strict screen reader compliance audits. This, the group said, would guarantee that blind and visually impaired Nigerians can use essential online services independently.
CITAB also demanded accessible learning environments across the country. It called on the Ministry of Education to provide funding for assistive technologies such as Braille display units, specialized educational software, and accessible learning materials in all public schools to promote inclusive education.
Another major demand was the adoption of universal mobility standards for all public infrastructure projects. The group insisted that tactile paving, audible traffic signals, and accessible public transportation must become standard features to make independent mobility a right, not a privilege.
To make assistive devices more affordable, CITAB called on the Ministries of Finance and Trade to provide subsidies and tax waivers on essential tools such as modern electronic canes and Braille production equipment. “As long as this state of neglect continues, the promise of inclusion and progress for millions of Nigerians remains an empty slogan,” Fenemigho warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, CITAB expressed readiness to work with government at all levels to ensure that every new policy, platform, or project is truly accessible. The group also urged the Presidency to establish a Special Presidential Working Group on Technological Inclusion to drive nationwide progress toward accessibility and equality for the blind and visually impaired.