The disability community has recorded what has been described as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s policing history following a landmark engagement with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.
The meeting, which brought together a delegation led by The Albino Foundation (TAF Africa), the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) and leaders from the disability community, marked the first reported direct engagement between persons with disabilities and an Inspector-General of Police in Nigeria.
The delegation used the opportunity to advocate a more inclusive Nigeria Police Force that responds effectively to the security needs and rights of women, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Among the major issues presented to the IGP were calls for inclusive security for persons with disabilities, women and IDPs, as well as inclusive election security and sustained dialogue between the police and stakeholders on inclusive policing.
The delegation also called for the establishment of National Persons with Disabilities Desk Officers across the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen the Force’s response to disability-related concerns.
It further sought collaboration with the Force Public Relations Officer to ensure that police media appearances, public information and communication platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities.
On gender inclusion, the delegation advocated greater opportunities for the inclusive employment of women within the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP, according to the delegation, demonstrated openness to the issues raised and highlighted initiatives already underway to make the Force more inclusive.
He also welcomed further engagement with disability stakeholders to identify areas where additional improvements may be required.
During the meeting, the IGP shared his experiences with persons with disabilities, observing that some of the individuals he had encountered demonstrated exceptional brilliance and capabilities that, in his words, often surpassed those of people who considered themselves “more able.”
Also speaking during the engagement, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa called for the Nigeria Police Force website to be made accessible to persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of ensuring that citizens can independently access police information and services online.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund presented the National Gender in Nigeria Report 2026, an in-depth report examining gender dynamics and issues shaping the country.
The delegation described the engagement as an important step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities have a meaningful voice in conversations around policing, security and public safety.
It also commended IGP Disu for his openness and willingness to listen to the concerns of the disability community, expressing optimism that the commitments and discussions from the meeting would translate into concrete action across the Nigeria Police Force.
The engagement further underscored the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of security policies but are actively included in shaping the policies and systems designed to protect them.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.