In a strategic move to bolster disability inclusion and align Nigeria with global best practices, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed M. Malick Fall, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The high-level meeting took place at the UN House in Abuja.
The session brought together representatives from several UN agencies—including UNESCO, WHO, UNFPA, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights—alongside civil society leaders and disability rights advocates.
A key focus of the meeting was the harmonization of Nigeria’s disability policies with international standards to fast-track the implementation of the National Disability Act. Discussions also centered on securing support from UN agencies to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable populations.
In his remarks, Mr. Fall emphasized that inclusion is central to the UN’s mission. “Inclusion is not just a principle—it is embedded in all our programs,” he stated, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their foundational promise to leave no one behind, starting with persons with disabilities.
He also highlighted the need for reliable data, effective subnational implementation of policies, and stronger institutional support to ensure meaningful outcomes. Acknowledging current global funding challenges, he urged the Nigerian government to increase domestic investment in inclusive development.
During the meeting, Mr. Fall introduced Judith Ekaete Umoh as the newly appointed Inclusion Coordinator in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, describing her as a valuable asset to advancing the UN’s inclusion agenda in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa shared key milestones from his office, including the launch of the Disability Inclusion initiative, the Governors Connect program, and the Beyond Disability Project, which collectively aim to create over 36,000 jobs for PWDs nationwide.
He also noted the recent establishment of a presidential task force dedicated to the full implementation of the National Disability Act.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and accelerate inclusive development across Nigeria.
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