Disability advocates seek stronger enforcement of rights commitments in Nigeria

Disability rights advocates in Nigeria are pressing the federal government to move beyond policy statements and accelerate the implementation of commitments made under the Global Disability Summit (GDS). They warn that millions of Nigerians with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and access to information, despite existing legal protections. Stakeholders made this call during a media roundtable focused on the Nigeria 2025 GDS Commitments Action Plan. The plan, developed by organizations of persons with disabilities in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), aims to strengthen accountability and ensure commitments translate into tangible improvements. Abdullahi Usman, National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), represented by Programme Officer Bukunmi Adejumo, emphasized the need for action. Adejumo highlighted specific government pledges, including ensuring the National Broadcasting Commission implements disability-inclusive and accessible broadcast services by December 2027, with wider use of sign language and audio captioning. The government also pledged to consult persons with disabilities in designing accessible digital platforms. Another critical commitment focuses on financial inclusion, with a target for at least 75 percent of banks to provide accessible services by June 2028.

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The commitment is not just about providing information but ensuring that information is accessible to everyone regardless of disability.