Members of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) on Monday rallied at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding the passage of the Nigerian Sign Language Bill to promote equality, inclusion and access to essential services for deaf persons across the country.
The peaceful rally, which commenced at Millennium Park, Maitama, and proceeded to the National Assembly, was held as part of activities marking the International Day of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages.
Addressing journalists during the rally, the National President of NNAD, Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, said the association was advocating for the official recognition of Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) and the establishment of a Nigerian Sign Language Council to regulate, develop and standardise sign language communication in the country.
“This week is to mark the International Day for the Deaf and International Day of Sign Language globally. Today, we in Nigeria are celebrating to promote and advocate inclusivity for the deaf through the recognition of Nigerian Sign Language,” Tsafe said.
He said the rally was also aimed at seeking clarification on the status of the bill before the National Assembly, stressing that the deaf community remained committed to peaceful advocacy.
“We are on this peaceful rally to the National Assembly to find out the status of the bill. We are peaceful, but if the National Assembly refuses to pass the bill, we will resort to protest,” he said.
Tsafe explained that the proposed legislation would provide the legal framework for the official recognition of Nigerian Sign Language and facilitate the establishment of a council responsible for regulating and standardising sign language communication.
“We often say Nigeria is the giant of Africa. We have to lead by example. Nigeria is a leading state on the continent; if the bill is passed in Nigeria, many other African countries will do the same,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to recognise, adopt and enact the Nigerian Sign Language Bill, noting that it addresses critical areas affecting deaf Nigerians, including access to communication, education, employment, healthcare and other social services.
Tsafe also called on the government to fulfil Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the African Disability Protocol, while ensuring the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
According to him, countries including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have taken steps towards recognising and regulating sign language, urging Nigeria to demonstrate similar leadership.
He said the legal recognition of Nigerian Sign Language would strengthen access to information, education, healthcare, employment and other essential services for deaf persons.
While commending efforts by government agencies and organisations to provide sign-language interpreters at public events, Tsafe said such initiatives should be backed by legislation to guarantee sustainable and nationwide inclusion.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts to improve the participation of deaf persons in the electoral process.
Tsafe further called for improved quality of education in schools for deaf persons, stressing that deaf Nigerians had attained master’s and doctoral degrees and possessed the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development when provided with equal opportunities.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, assured the deaf community of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in decision-making, particularly on issues affecting persons with disabilities.
Isa said the administration had introduced various social intervention programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda designed to support vulnerable groups, including members of the deaf community.
He described sign language as a critical gateway to education, information, communication and understanding, assuring that the Presidency would work with the National Assembly towards the passage of the Nigerian Sign Language Bill.
Isa urged stakeholders, disability organisations and other Nigerians to join forces with the administration in addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities and advancing a more inclusive society.