The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equity and accessibility within the legal profession with the adoption of its Disability Inclusion Policy. The landmark policy institutionalises accessibility, reasonable accommodation, non-discrimination, and equal participation for lawyers and law students with disabilities across the association’s activities.
Championed by the NBA Lawyers with Disabilities Forum, the policy is aimed at strengthening disability inclusion within Nigeria’s legal ecosystem by ensuring equal opportunities in legal practice, NBA programmes, conferences, professional engagements, and institutional processes. It also provides for accessible infrastructure and reasonable accommodation to enable lawyers with disabilities to participate fully in the profession.
Reacting to the development, Chairperson of the NBA Lawyers with Disabilities Forum, Ms. Patience Etumudon, described the adoption of the policy as a watershed moment for disability inclusion within the legal profession. She said the initiative demonstrates the NBA’s commitment to creating an environment where lawyers with disabilities are recognised, valued, and empowered to contribute without barriers.
Etumudon noted that the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt would provide an opportunity to demonstrate practical implementation of the policy, particularly in ensuring accessible conference facilities and inclusive participation. She commended NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his unwavering support, noting that the policy affirms that lawyers with disabilities are an integral part of the association.
According to her, the policy is expected to improve accessibility not only within the NBA but also across law schools, universities, law firms, NBA branches, and other legal institutions. She stressed that disability inclusion extends beyond the legal profession, observing that anyone could acquire a temporary or permanent disability through illness or accident.
“We are all a step away from disability. A person can walk out of a door, suffer an accident, and experience a temporary or permanent disability. The actions we take today in creating an inclusive society show how we would want to be treated if circumstances change,” she said.
Also speaking, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, described the policy as a welcome development that reflects a growing shift toward a rights-based approach to disability inclusion. He said lawyers with disabilities deserve equal opportunities and the support required to perform their professional responsibilities effectively.
Erebe disclosed that the Delta State Ministry of Justice has already introduced measures to promote disability inclusion through improved access to justice institutions and enforcement of the state’s disability law. He noted that the legislation prohibits discrimination, mandates accessibility in public and private buildings, and guarantees free and compulsory education for children with disabilities up to the secondary school level.
He added that the NBA Disability Inclusion Policy would help bridge institutional gaps by ensuring accessibility is embedded in the association’s conferences, programmes, and professional activities. He further stressed that disability inclusion is a shared responsibility and urged organisations across both the public and private sectors to adopt similar policies.
The legal practitioners called for broader implementation of disability inclusion policies across professional bodies, government institutions, and workplaces, maintaining that persons with disabilities should be treated with dignity, equality, and respect. They noted that with the adoption of the Disability Inclusion Policy, the NBA has reaffirmed its commitment to building a legal profession where merit, equal opportunity, and justice are accessible to all, regardless of physical or sensory disability.
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