Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are being called upon to implement inclusive policies to better support people with disabilities, fostering an environment that embraces diversity and promotes social equality.
Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, made this call at the Inter-Ministerial and Inter-Agency Awareness Summit on “The Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities,” held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Isa stressed the need for MDAs to collaborate in forming a unified approach to implementing the National Disability Act of 2018. He highlighted that this Act signifies a dual commitment—both moral and legal—to building an inclusive Nigeria where everyone, regardless of disability, has a role in society.
“Nigeria has not only ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but also established the National Disability Act in 2018,” Isa said. “The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities now serves as a regulatory body ensuring the welfare of persons with disabilities across the nation.”
He further noted that the administration values consultation with individuals with special needs to guide the Act’s implementation process, especially as the five-year period initially allocated has come to an end.
In a conversation with Voice of Nigeria, Isa shared that the administration is working closely with the legislature to facilitate the enforcement of the Act. This legislative support, he explained, will help streamline processes and ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met.
Adding to this, Amina Salihu, Senior Program Officer at the MacArthur Foundation Africa Office, emphasized the value of awareness campaigns. “Awareness is key,” Salihu stated. “Partnership is also crucial—it’s not about blame, but about educating people on their roles. Disability is relevant to everyone; it’s a spectrum that affects us all, fostering understanding and humility.”
Salihu concluded by highlighting that, while laws and policies are essential, true inclusion is rooted in our humanity, acknowledging our shared vulnerabilities, and respecting everyone’s rights.
The summit concluded with the formation of a committee dedicated to ensuring the National Disability Act of 2018 is fully implemented. Stakeholders and advocates highlighted the need for inclusive policies and awareness campaigns to champion disability rights and support people with disabilities across Nigeria.
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