By Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor | Disability inclusion is vital for fostering equality and sustainable development. The enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2019), the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the notable (though inadequate) appointments of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to leadership roles at the national level and in a few states signify unprecedented attention to inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria.

But significant gaps remain: systemic barriers persist across education, employment, infrastructure, information access and access to justice. The situation is compounded by recalcitrant societal attitudes that foster stigma and discrimination. An appraisal of Nigeria's disability landscape highlights poor implementation of existing legal frameworks. Nigeria continues to grapple with the basics of creating a barrier-free and inclusive society that unleashes the full potentials of over 29 million members of its population.

Disability inclusion is a rights issue and a moral obligation at both societal and corporate levels. It is also a strategic pathway to fostering healthier, more equitable, and prosperous societies for all. Globally, persons with disabilities command over $1.2 trillion in annual disposable income and, when provided with equal opportunities, can drive GDP growth by 3-7%.[1] Beyond skills and labour, PWDs bring unique attributes shaped by their lived experiences, such as resilience, determination, and optimism, which enrich workplace culture and fuel innovation. According to a 2020 Accenture study, companies prioritising disability inclusion achieve 2.9 times faster sales growth and 4.1 times faster profit growth compared to their peers.[2]

The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) theme, Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future, highlights the transformative power of PWD leadership. This article underscores the economic and social imperatives of disability inclusion. It highlights progress, identifies gaps, and proposes actionable recommendations for progress, emphasizing that representation and leadership by PWDs are catalysts for systemic transformation.

 Notable Progress after the Enactment of the Disability Act  

Sections 15(2) and 42(1)(a) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) prohibit discrimination on various grounds, including ethnicity, gender, religion, and political affiliation. The omission of ‘disability’ sidelines millions of Nigerians, rendering them invisible in the framework of constitutional protections. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (also referred to as the Disability Act), was signed into law in January 2019. This is a major landmark for disability inclusion in the country. The Act stipulated a five-year transitional period / moratorium for modifying public buildings, structures, including roadside walks, pedestrian crossings, and other special facilities for accessibility by PWDs.[3]

Though the moratorium period fell short of its full objectives, it marked some progress in setting the stage for disability inclusion in Nigeria. The head of secretariat of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD) highlighted the following achievements:

  • Increased Awareness of Disability Rights - The transitional period heightened public awareness of PWDs as equal citizens with rights to access and opportunities. This shift in perception has laid the groundwork for further advocacy and policy implementation.
  • Improved Data Collection Practices - Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) began incorporating disability data into registration forms and using tools like the Washington Group Questions to gather disaggregated information.[4] This development marks an important step in recognising and addressing the needs of PWDs.
  • A growing commitment to inclusion in communication. Sign language interpreters became more visible at public functions and events, improving accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
  • Strengthened Advocacy by Disability Groups - Disability-led organisations amplified their voices during this period, advocating for a transition from the traditional ‘charity model’ to a ‘human rights model’ of disability inclusion. This shift emphasized empowerment and agency for PWDs.
  • Private Sector Engagement - Businesses increasingly sought to hire qualified PWDs, reflecting an evolving understanding of the economic and social value of disability inclusion.
  • A more inclusive development approach - International development organisations began holding civil society organisations accountable for incorporating disability inclusion into their programming and interventions.
  • Establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) - The NCPWD was established in 2020 to safeguard the rights of PWDs and ensure compliance with the Act.[5] While its impact has been limited by funding and capacity challenges, the commission remains a critical institution for advancing disability inclusion.

Some significant progress has also been recorded post-transitional period. Some of these include: 

Greater Attention to PWD Participation and Representation in Governance

The Disability Act outlines provisions to enhance PWD participation in politics and public life, ensuring their rights in governance and civic engagement. Key provisions include:

  • Equal Opportunities - Section 1 guarantees PWDs' civil and political rights without discrimination.
  • Enabling Environments - Section 2 mandates government support for PWD engagement in public affairs, including NGOs, political parties, and associations.
  • Inclusive Leadership - Section 4 requires political parties to ensure PWDs’ inclusion in leadership and decision-making.
  • Accessible Elections - Section 54 mandates accessible polling units and sign language interpreters for independent PWD voting.

This framework aims to dismantle barriers and foster inclusion of and political participation by PWDs.

A major advancement towards achieving the above is the inclusion of disability-focused provisions in the 2022 Electoral Act. These provisions aim to promote PWD participation in electoral processes:

  • Section 9(1)(b): Mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disaggregate voter data by disability status and type.
  • Section 54(2): Requires INEC to assist PWDs during voting through accessible communication tools.
  • Section 54(1): Allows visually-impaired voters to be accompanied by a person of their choice into polling units.
  • Definitions: Recognises PWDs as individuals with a temporary or permanent certificate of disability under the law.

SBM Intelligence, a think tank, conducted a post-election study on the level of inclusiveness of PWDs in the 2023 Presidential elections. The findings did not support effective implementation of the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. The SBM report mentioned that these provisions were suggestive in nature, lacking enforceability. According to the report, PWDs comprise about 15% of the population, which means that with a registered voter population of 93.46 million, and “about 14 million PWDs in the current voters' register, which can swing the votes.”[6] The report highlighted significant shortcomings in INEC's implementation of the provisions. The inclusion of disability types in the voter register was commendable.  However, only 22.3% of respondents reported the availability of assistive aids at their voting centers. These aids, promised by the 2022 Electoral Act, including Braille ballot guides, large embossed prints, infographics/posters, and sign language interpreters, were crucial for independent voting by PWDs. A whopping 77.7% of respondents did not encounter any assistive aids, reflecting a glaring lack of accessibility and inclusion. Voter education tailored to individuals with disabilities was lacking, further hindering their ability to participate fully in the electoral process.[7]

PWDs in Appointive and Elective Posts

The inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in political offices is slowly gaining traction at both federal and state levels in the country:

  • Federal Appointments – Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa was appointed in November 2023 as Senior Special Assistant on Disability Matters.[8] In August 2024, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, a seasoned rights advocate and lawyer, was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). He is tasked with advancing policies and practices to ensure PWD inclusion.[9]
  • State-Level Appointments -
    • Kwara State Governor, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appointed three PWDs as Permanent Secretaries, a historic milestone that underscores his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance. This move sets a benchmark for other states.[10]
  • PWDs in Elective Position - The current Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Bassey Eno is the first individual with albinism to serve as a governor in Nigeria and Africa. His election, supported by the People's Democratic Party (PDP), highlights growing inclusivity in political representation.[11]

These appointments reflect the increasing acknowledgment of the importance of PWD representation in governance, ensuring their voices influence policies and development at national and local levels.=

‘Ratification of the African Charter Protocol

In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu ratified the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa. This action reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to disability rights and aligned the country with regional standards for inclusion. 

Federal Inclusion Quotas
The Federal Government approved a 10% inclusion quota for PWDs in interventions under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Programmes such as Conditional Cash Transfers and N-Power now commit to prioritising PWDs, and to provide much-needed economic support and opportunities. The extent of implementation of this commitment remains to be seen.

Establishment of a Presidential Task Force

A dedicated task force was created to enforce compliance with disability laws and ensure the effective implementation of inclusive policies. This initiative signifies a commitment to translating legal frameworks into tangible outcomes for PWDs.

Legislative Oversight on Disability Inclusion
The House of Representatives has established a Disability Inclusion Committee to monitor and support the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. This committee collaborates with organizations like JONAPWD to identify gaps and advocate for enhanced disability rights.

Fiscal Policy Advancements
Efforts to integrate PWDs into fiscal policy include a proposed 5% disability-inclusive budget allocation and increased funding for disability initiatives. These measures aim to provide the resources needed for effective implementation of disability-focused programmes. The national and state parliaments are well-positioned, through their oversight functions to demand accountability inclusive budget allocation.

Financial Inclusion Initiatives

United Bank for Africa (UBA) pioneered Braille account opening forms for visually impaired customers, enabling them to open accounts independently. Similarly, Access Bank introduced Braille forms to promote autonomy and equal access to banking services. These measures set a new standard in the financial sector, fostering diversity and inclusion.

Access to Sign Language Interpretation

Access to sign language interpretation has increased significantly:

  • Television Accessibility: In February 2021, the Federal Government mandated the inclusion of sign language interpreters during major news broadcasts.[12]
  • Legislative Inclusion: The Speaker of the House of Representatives approved sign language interpreters for plenary sessions in October 2023.[13]
  • Healthcare Access: Lagos State initiatives, led by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), trained healthcare providers in sign language and deployed interpreters in hospitals to improve services for hearing-impaired individuals.[14]

These milestones, while significant, represent the beginning of a long journey toward full disability inclusion. Sustained advocacy, robust implementation of policies, and increased investment in disability programmes are essential to building on these achievements and fostering a society where all individuals can thrive.

Lingering Challenges and Reasons for Their Persistence

The achievements notwithstanding, PWDs in Nigeria still face significant barriers:

  • Educational Barriers - Only 2% of PWDs in Nigeria have access to education. Inaccessible school infrastructure compounds this problem, as 98.5% of public buildings, including schools, lack ramps, elevators, or tactile signage, excluding PWDs from learning environments.[15]
  • Employment Barriers - Less than 1% of PWDs are employed in the formal sector,[16] due to discriminatory hiring practices and inaccessible workplaces. These barriers trap many PWDs in poverty, perpetuating dependency and economic exclusion.
  • Physical Barriers - Inaccessible public infrastructure, including roads, pedestrian crossings, and buildings, continues to limit mobility and access to essential services. The lack of universal design standards makes public spaces prohibitive for PWDs.[17]
  • Informational Barriers - Scarcity of Braille materials, sign language interpreters, and accessible digital platforms further marginalizes PWDs, cutting them off from vital information and opportunities to engage in society.[18]
  • Technological Barriers - Approximately 96% of PWDs lack access to assistive devices   such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and screen readers, which are crucial for daily life and independence. This technological gap limits their ability to access education, employment, and social interaction.[19]

The marginalisation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) stems from deeply entrenched ableism and cultural biases that permeate societal structures. Ableism, the belief that able-bodied individuals are superior, underpins discrimination and denies PWDs equal opportunities in education, employment, and social participation.

In Nigeria, cultural perceptions exacerbate these challenges. Disabilities are often perceived as curses, witchcraft or divine punishment, leading to stigma and social isolation for PWDs and their families. Such beliefs shift attention from addressing systemic barriers to seeking ‘spiritual cures,’ neglecting the tangible changes required for true inclusion. This stigma fosters self-stigmatization, where PWDs internalize societal prejudices, limiting their confidence and willingness to engage in public life.

Another critical factor is the lack of disaggregated and comprehensive data. Without detailed statistics on the demographics, needs, and challenges of PWDs, they remain invisible in policymaking, development planning and budgeting. The absence of robust data on their distribution by region, gender, and disability type hampers targeted interventions, perpetuating their exclusion.

Furthermore, societal attitudes that portray PWDs as dependent or incapable undermine their agency and potential. These biases infiltrate workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces, creating environments that marginalize PWDs. A recent study to assess Nigeria’s compliance with the disability act noted that 72.7% of PWDs employees across five MDAs had experienced workplace discrimination by management or non management staff.[20]

Disability and poverty are intricately linked in a vicious cycle; disability causes poverty as limited access to education, employment, and assistive technology leaves many PWDs economically disadvantaged. Poverty, in turn, causes disability and exacerbates its impact; poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and lack of early intervention contribute to higher rates of disability. This unholy alliance perpetuates exclusion, trapping PWDs and their families in a state of economic and social vulnerability.

Nigeria’s Disability Act mandates a 5% employment quota for PWDs in public and private organisations. However, implementation has been minimal due to:

  • Lack of monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
  • Insufficient incentives for private-sector organisations to adopt inclusive hiring practices.
  • Low visibility of qualified PWDs in talent pipelines, often exacerbated by self-stigmatization and inaccessible recruitment processes.

Selected Best Practices in Disability Inclusion

Several African countries have initiated efforts to enhance transportation accessibility for PWDs, offering valuable insights for Nigeria's development in this area. Cities like Cape Town have developed integrated rapid transit programmes, such as the MyCiTi bus service, which includes low-floor buses and accessible stations to accommodate PWDs. “South Africa has advanced in making provisions for PWDs, through interventions such as “Accessible Cities South Africa”. This has led to the development of integrated rapid transit programmes and private, civic, and public sector partnerships that are enabling better access, especially in urban areas.”[21]

In Kenya, companies like Ace Mobility offer modified vehicles with ramps and trained drivers to assist PWDs, addressing gaps in public transport accessibility.[22]

In Algeria, the National Office for Assistive Devices works to provide necessary aids to PWDs, and public transport systems have been modified to include features like tactile paving and special seating.[23] Reduced fares and free transportation for people with disabilities was provided through Executive Decree No. 06–144 in April 2006.[24]\

Examples of Inclusive Political Participation Initiatives

Kenyan political parties have introduced measures such as discounted nomination fees and disability leagues to encourage PWD participation in politics.[25] Also Organizations like the Consortium of Disabled Persons' Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK) conduct civic education and leadership training for PWDs, empowering them to engage actively in political processes.[26]

Constitutional Mandates and Judicial Support for PWD Representation in South Africa

South Africa's Constitution emphasizes equality and equity goals for PWDs, facilitating their inclusion in public service leadership roles.[27] The judiciary plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of PWDs, ensuring their representation in governance.

Disability Inclusion: The Lagos Example

At the subnational level within Nigeria, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) exemplifies commitment through several key initiatives:

  • Promoting Business Leadership / Economic Empowerment - LASODA supported the registration of 100 PWD-owned businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission and trained 300 PWDs in vocations such as sewing and electrical installation, providing tools for entrepreneurship.[28]
  • Advocacy and Sensitization - LASODA conducted public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and partnered with agencies like the National Commission for Refugees to promote PWD rights.
  • Inclusive Transportation - In collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LASODA advocated for accessible public transport services.
  • Education and Healthcare - The agency engaged local governments to improve PWD access to inclusive education and healthcare services.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, inclusive financial and political initiatives, and advocacy efforts have laid a foundation, but their impact remains limited without robust enforcement, sustained advocacy, and resource investment. We make the following recommendations.

  • Enforce and Monitor Compliance
    Strengthen institutional capacity to implement and monitor disability-related laws such as the Disability Act. Establish accountability mechanisms, impose sanctions for non-compliance, and reward exemplary practices to encourage adherence.
  • Adopt Universal Design Principles
    Integrate universal design in public infrastructure and services, ensuring transportation, workplaces, and schools are accessible to all users, including PWDs. Retrofit existing systems and adopt inclusive designs for future projects.
  • Promote Inclusive Governance
    Enhance PWD representation by ensuring accessible electoral processes, incorporating assistive technologies like Braille ballots and sign language interpreters. Support PWD leadership development to increase their participation in decision-making roles.
  • Implement inclusive policies such as reserved seats and reduced nomination fees for PWDs
  • Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships
    Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to fund and innovate accessible solutions. For example, incentivize private transport providers to modify vehicles and create accessible routes, leveraging models from Kenya and South Africa.
  • Expand Awareness and Sensitivity Training
    Conduct nationwide campaigns to challenge stereotypes, educate the public, and train service providers on PWD needs. Focus on fostering cultural shifts toward inclusion, as demonstrated by LASODA in Lagos State.
  • Empower Disability-Led Organisations
    Provide technical support and funding for disability-led groups to advocate for policy reforms and implement community-focused initiatives. Facilitate platforms for these organisations to collaborate with stakeholders.
  • Invest in Assistive Technologies
    Prioritise the development and provision of affordable assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and screen readers, to enhance PWD independence and participation across sectors.
  • Commit to Data-Driven Strategies
    Establish robust systems to collect, analyse, and use disaggregated data on PWDs. Leverage this information to guide targeted policy development and measure the impact of inclusion initiatives.
  • Community-Driven Planning
    Actively involve PWDs in the planning and execution of policies and programmes that affect them. Their lived experiences provide essential insights for creating practical and effective solutions.
  • Foster International Collaboration
    Learn from successful practices in countries like South Africa (integrated transit systems), and Kenya (private sector transport solutions). Apply these lessons to address local challenges.

Despite notable progress, achieving full disability inclusion in Nigeria requires deliberate action to address systemic barriers and gaps in implementation. Inclusion is not charity; it is a human rights imperative and a driver of sustainable development. Amplifying the leadership of PWDs, enforcing existing laws, and addressing systemic barriers in Nigeria can unlock the potential of over 29 million citizens with disabilities. Such inclusion not only upholds equity but also enhances national growth and resilience, fostering a society where everyone can thrive.

 Dr. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor is a Gender and Social Inclusion expert and a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist.

 

[1] Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (2022). FCDO disability inclusion and rights strategy 2022 to 2030. Building an inclusive future for all: a sustainable rights-based approach, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-disability-inclusion-and-rights-strategy-2022-to-2030/fcdo-disability-inclusion-and-rights-strategy-2022-to-2030-building-an-inclusive-future-for-all-a-sustainable-rights-based-approach

[2] World Economic Forum (2022). Disability inclusion is not discretionary. It is a must, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/disability-inclusion-is-not-discretionary/

[3] Sections 3-5, Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018

[4] The Washington Group (WG) Questions are targeted questions on individual functioning intended to provide a quick and low-cost way to collect data, which allows disaggregation by disability status.

[5] Leadership News (2024). The Law and Persons with Disabilities, https://leadership.ng/the-law-and-persons-with-disabilities/

[6] Oladipupo, I. (2024). Make their voices count: A tale of PWDs’ inclusion in Nigeria’s elections. https://www.thecable.ng/make-their-voices-count-a-tale-of-pwds-inclusion-in-nigerias-elections/amp?/make-their-voices-count-a-tale-of-pwds-inclusion-in-nigerias-elections accessed 26th March 2024

[7]SBM Intelligence (2023). Post-election Review on PWD Inclusion in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://sbmintel.com/pwd-inclusion-nigeria.

[8] The Cable (2023). Tinubu Appoints Mohammed Isa as SSA on Disability Matters. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-tinubu-appoints-mohammed-isah-as-ssa-on-disability-matters.

[9] Federal Ministry of Information (2024). Chief Ayuba Gufwan’s Mission for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://fmino.gov.ng/championing-inclusion-chief-ayuba-gufwans-mission-for-persons-with-disabilities-in-nigeria.

[10] Inclusion News (2024). Kwara State Sets Benchmark in Disability Inclusion. Retrieved from https://inclusion.com.ng/kwara-state-setting-benchmark-in-disability-inclusion-gov-abdulrazaq.

[11] The Albino Foundation (2023). PDP's Historic Election of Nigeria's First Albino Governor. Retrieved from https://www.tafafrica.org/umo-bassey-eno-first-albino-governor

[12] Sight Savers (2020). Nigerian TV news to feature sign language interpreters, https://www.sightsavers.org/news/2020/07/nigerian-tv-news-sign-language-interpreters/

[13] Punch (14th October 2023). Reps approve sign language interpreters at plenary, https://punchng.com/reps-approve-sign-language-interpreters-at-plenary/#google_vignette

[14] Lagos State Government (2023). LASODA Honours Overall Best Civil Servants in Sign Language Training. Retrieved from https://lagosstate.gov.ng/y2023-sign-language-training-lasoda-honours-overall-best-civil-servants.

[15] Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (2021). “National Development Plan (NDP), 2021–2025.”

[16] Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (2021). Ibid

[17] Agora Policy (2022). How to Deepen Gender, Social and Political Inclusion in Nigeria, https://agorapolicy.org/files/Agora-Policys-Gender-and-Social-Inclusion-report.pdf

[18] UN (2018). Disability and Development Report, https://social.un.org/publications/UN-Flagship-Report-Disability-Final.pdf

[19] Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (2021). Op Cit

[20] Inclusive Friends (2023). Beyond Legislation: A Comprehensive Study on Nigeria’s Compliance with the Disability Act.

[21] Springer Nature Link (2024). People Living with Disabilities in South African Cities

A Built Environment Perspective on Inclusion and Accessibility, https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-66715-2

[22] APNews,com (n.d.). Why people with disabilities in Nairobi are looking beyond public transport to navigate busy city, https://apnews.com/article/kenya-disability-transport-d915bed7a3556adaab6332f526aac1f5

[23] Accessed on: Wikipedia, Disability in Algeria, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_in_Algeria?

[24] United Nations (2015). "Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 35 of the Convention: Algeria". Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

[25] Westminster Foundation for Democracy, The State of Political Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within Political Parties in Kenya. Retrieved from WFD Report.

[26] Consortium of Disabled Persons’ Organizations in Kenya, Civic Engagement for PWDs. Retrieved from CDPOK.

[27] South Africa’s Constitutional and Legal Framework on Disability Rights. Retrieved from AdminPublic Journal.

[28] Agbo, C. (Nov 22, 2024). LASODA Empowers 100 PWD-Run Businesses with CAC Certificates in Groundbreaking Initiative, https://qualitativemagazine.com/lasoda-empowers-100-pwd-run-businesses-with-cac-certificates-in-groundbreaking-initiative/