Abuja, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking development for disability rights in Nigeria, Project Enable Africa, in partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, on Friday unveiled the 2024 State of Disability Inclusion Report (SDIR) — the country’s first national assessment of disability inclusion.
The comprehensive report offers data-driven insights on the state of inclusion across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, policy implementation, and social protection. It identifies key gaps and outlines opportunities for strengthening inclusive governance and practices across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, Mr. Olalekan Owonikoko, described the report as a landmark achievement. “It was developed through stakeholder consultations and in-depth interviews with persons with disabilities across the country,” he said.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, Commission Director Mr. Nkem Uchegbulam emphasized that the newly developed Accessibility Standards Enforcement Guideline would support the report’s implementation. “Effective and efficient modalities for compliance enforcement have been put in place under my watch to secure and protect the rights and liberties of persons with disabilities,” Uchegbulam stated. He added that the Commission would submit the report to key ministries and state governments to ensure alignment with their mandates.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Project Enable Africa’s Board, Dr. Kola Olugbodi reflected on progress made since the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2019, which included a five-year compliance window. “This report is not just a document; it is a wake-up call,” he said. “It helps us measure how far we’ve come in ensuring accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, stressed that persons with disabilities — particularly women and girls — have been marginalized for too long. “This report demonstrates our national commitment to inclusion and equality. No one should be left behind,” she said.
She raised critical concerns: “Are public spaces truly accessible? Do our schools accommodate children with disabilities? Are development programmes inclusive? Do we amplify the voices and aspirations of persons with disabilities?”
Providing an overview of the report, Mr. Bukola Adebayo noted that only 23 states have domesticated the Disability Act, and of these, only 15 have operational disability agencies. He called for deliberate investment in both disability-specific programs and mainstream inclusion.
He further recommended nationwide accessibility audits of public infrastructure and a review of health insurance schemes to ensure they meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities. “Where schemes exist, they must be tailored for inclusivity,” he said.
The unveiling of the SDIR marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society — a future where the rights of persons with disabilities are not only protected but fully realized.
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