The community of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria is calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the severe economic hardships impacting their lives. At a press briefing in Awka on Monday, Mr. Nwabueze Williams, Executive Director of the Blind Tech Empowerment Initiative, highlighted the disproportionate challenges facing PWDs due to the nation’s deteriorating economic conditions.
Williams, joined by other advocates, noted that in recent years, rising living costs—including surging fuel prices, higher electricity tariffs, increased transportation expenses, and unaffordable food prices—have placed immense strain on individuals with disabilities. He pointed out that despite these burdens, over 65% of PWDs remain without any form of government support or minimum wage relief. Those who are employed often bear additional costs just to meet daily needs, from higher transportation expenses to the need for assistive devices.
An open letter addressed to President Tinubu underscored these struggles: “We write on behalf of millions of Nigerians with disabilities who are grappling with severe economic hardships. For over two years, rising costs—exorbitant fuel prices, escalating food prices, and inaccessible healthcare—have pushed many PWDs into desperation, resulting in malnutrition, illness, and preventable deaths.”
The letter also raised concerns about the educational barriers faced by children with disabilities, many of whom can no longer afford schooling due to these economic strains. “The situation is not only an economic issue but a humanitarian crisis,” it stated, adding that Nigeria’s progress should reflect in the support extended to its most vulnerable citizens.
Williams urged President Tinubu to establish a disability-focused social protection program, provide financial aid, and enforce existing employment laws for PWDs. He further recommended measures to increase transparency in relief initiatives and suggested subsidies for education, healthcare, and essential goods to lessen the impact of rising living costs on PWDs.
“We urgently need both immediate relief for those in crisis and long-term measures to address the root issues. With the right leadership, the government can save millions of lives and renew hope within the disability community,” he emphasized.