The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has praised Hon. Bashiru Dawodu for taking a firm stand against Nigerian ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) that have failed to implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
This commendation was made in a press release issued today in Lagos by Jolomi Fenemigho, Executive Director of CITAB.
Fenemigho further applauded Hon. Dawodu for courageously addressing this pressing issue, which impacts not only individuals with visual impairments but also the broader community of disabled citizens.
According to him, “Although delayed, Hon. Dawodu’s actions are commendable. He has made a critical move in the right direction to ensure that persons with disabilities can enjoy the equal rights and benefits enshrined in the Disability Act in Nigeria.”
The CITAB leader expressed deep concern over the MDAs’ indifferent attitude toward the Act, describing this negligence as a significant factor in undermining the rights and dignity of disabled persons in the country.
He further stated, “This is a deliberate neglect of our rights as disabled citizens in Nigeria. The system has been complacent and indifferent to our struggles, while the MDAs operate without accountability.”
Fenemigho lamented the MDAs’ lack of urgency in enforcing the Act and highlighted its detrimental impact on millions of disabled individuals nationwide.
“The Act clearly outlines a timeline for implementation, yet it has been ignored, with MDAs displaying a lackluster approach to enforcing its provisions. This non-compliance jeopardizes the lives and rights of those the Act is intended to protect, depriving them of the safeguards they are entitled to under the law,” he said.
Fenemigho also acknowledged the 10th Assembly’s efforts to uphold the rights of all disabled individuals in Nigeria.
He noted, “This effort is part of the 10th Assembly’s broader, though delayed, attempt to enforce the Act aimed at protecting the rights of people living with disabilities.”
Fenemigho recalled that despite the Act’s passage, its provisions regarding the safeguarding of disabled persons’ rights—particularly in employment, accessibility, and inclusion in policies and programs—remain largely unfulfilled.
He called on the House Committee on Disability Matters to investigate and oversee the MDAs’ activities and ensure regular reporting and updates to guarantee compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
“The operations of the MDAs must be closely monitored. A vigilant approach is required to track their activities, with consistent reports and updates to ensure adherence to the Act’s provisions,” he emphasized.
Fenemigho also addressed the broader issue of discrimination and stigmatization faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, stressing that inadequate compliance from both MDAs and the private sector has contributed to this problem.
He urged immediate action from all stakeholders, warning that continued neglect of the Disability Act would hinder Nigeria’s progress and worsen inequalities.
“Despite the existence of laws meant to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, there is still a lack of enforcement and accountability. This neglect is not just bureaucratic oversight but amounts to serious injustice that perpetuates inequality and stifles national development. If left unchecked, this negligence will deepen existing disparities and further entrench social and economic inequalities. Failure to comply with disability rights reflects poorly on the nation’s commitment to human rights and inclusive development. We, therefore, call for urgent and decisive action from both the government and the private sector to address and rectify these failures,” he stated.
Fenemigho concluded by advocating for a comprehensive approach to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected and implemented.