Abuja — The call for recognition of Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) gained momentum Tuesday as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) rallied in Abuja to mark the International Day of Sign Language.
The march began at the National Human Rights Commission and ended at the National Assembly, with participants championing the theme “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights” and the sub-theme “Advancing Deaf Identity and Inclusion Through Nigerian Sign Language Recognition.”
Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, emphasized that denying NSL formal status is a violation of fundamental rights.
“From education to healthcare and governance, sign language is key to full participation. Its lack of recognition is discriminatory and unacceptable,” Gufwan stated.
He called for stronger legislation, greater funding, and policy reforms to embed NSL in schools, healthcare, and governance structures.
Echoing this, NNAD President, Mr. Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, urged lawmakers to enshrine NSL in the ongoing constitutional review, citing provisions of the 2018 Disability Act.
“This is not about privilege—it is about rights. Sign language recognition is essential for building an inclusive Nigeria,” Tsafe said.
The two organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to an inclusive society and appealed to government, civil society, and the private sector to stand with the deaf community in advancing equality and accessibility.
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