Disability rights advocates have highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, despite the legislative progress made in recent years.
The stakeholders made the call at the 2024 grantee convening of Disability Rights Fund/Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, themed ‘Building a Diverse Disability Movement in Nigeria.
Stakeholders discussed the implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Dr James David Lalu, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, acknowledged the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 positive impact, particularly in education access.
However, he emphasized the need for continuous advocacy to achieve a truly inclusive society. “What we want to achieve is to make Nigeria comfortable for PWDs by ending discrimination,” Lalu stated, pledging to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Olajide Funsho, from Disability Not A Barrier Initiative, offered a more critical perspective on the government’s efforts. He pointed out significant gaps in healthcare accessibility and compliance with building regulations for public facilities.
Mr Funsho said, “Many health facilities in Nigeria are grossly inaccessible,” Funsho noted, adding that the recent expiration of the five-year grace period for building compliance hasn’t led to widespread improvements.
Mr Funsho also highlighted the lack of political representation for PWDs, arguing that current efforts often amount to tokenism rather than genuine inclusion.
He further stated “How many PWDs do you have as Governors, Ministers, or Commissioners in Nigeria?” he questioned, suggesting that special adviser roles often fail to provide meaningful influence.
While legislative frameworks like the 2018 Act provide a foundation for change, advocates have stressed the need for more implementation and a cultural shift towards true inclusion.