Founder of Movement Beyond Walls, Pelemo Nyajo, has raised concerns over the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, describing them as an “afterthought” in governance, infrastructure, and social systems.
Nyajo made this assertion while speaking at the sidelines of an inclusion-focused event that brought together young people with and without disabilities to promote social inclusion through art, dialogue, and interactive engagement.
According to her, Movement Beyond Walls is a creative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between persons with disabilities and the wider society, particularly among young people. She noted that many Nigerians still lack a proper understanding of disability inclusion, often viewing disability as unfamiliar or stigmatised.
Nyajo emphasised that while Nigeria has legal frameworks such as the Disability Act, social inclusion remains largely neglected. She stressed that meaningful interaction between persons with and without disabilities is essential to changing perceptions, building empathy, and fostering a more inclusive society.
She further criticised the poor implementation of the Disability Act, noting that despite the law’s existence, many public institutions and facilities remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities. According to her, persons with disabilities are rarely prioritised in national budgeting and development planning, while infrastructure such as public buildings, recreational centres, and basic facilities often exclude wheelchair users.
Nyajo also identified societal attitudes, including prejudice and ableism, as major barriers to inclusion, explaining that many people still doubt the capabilities and potential of persons with disabilities.
Speaking on expectations from government, she called for urgent enforcement of the Disability Act and a shift from short-term palliative interventions to sustainable empowerment initiatives that promote independence and self-reliance among persons with disabilities.
Also speaking at the event, disability inclusion advocate and visual archivist, Eva Chukwunelo, described the gathering as an important platform for fostering understanding and strengthening relationships between people with and without disabilities.
Chukwunelo urged government institutions to move beyond policy declarations and focus on practical implementation, noting that discussions around the Disability Act have continued since 2018, yet many public institutions remain inaccessible.
In her remarks, development activist Maureen Alor described the event as a true representation of a safe and inclusive space where participants could freely connect, share experiences, and express themselves without fear of discrimination.
The event underscored the urgent need for stronger advocacy, inclusive policies, and deliberate actions to create environments that accommodate all individuals, regardless of physical ability, while promoting dignity, participation, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
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