SAN Seeks Justice, Equality for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria

Professor Mike A.A. Ozekhome, a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has brought to light the harsh realities confronting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the nation.

In his address at the 12th “Rights Above Charity Lecture,” Ozekhome exposed the pervasive discrimination, abuse, and exploitation that PWDs experience daily. He emphasized the multifaceted barriers PWDs encounter within families, education systems, and broader society, urging a holistic approach that includes comprehensive government policies, family support, assistive devices, security training, and strict enforcement of existing laws to protect their rights.

Speaking ahead of the December 3, 2023, International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in Benin City, Ozekhome argued that sympathy for PWDs is inadequate—often amounting to mere acknowledgment of their plight without substantial support. He advocated for genuine empathy, a quality that drives affirmative action, noting that societies lacking empathy for people with disabilities ultimately fail them.

Despite the promise of laws like the “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018,” Ozekhome pointed out a critical gap in its implementation, leaving PWDs without the support they need. He noted that society’s perception of disability often poses a bigger barrier than the disabilities themselves, calling for a shift toward a more accepting and respectful view of disability as a unique attribute.

Ozekhome’s call to action urges Nigeria to shift from a charity-based to a rights-based framework for PWDs. NAPVID plans to leverage the upcoming December 3, 2024, IDPD to assess societal progress and reignite discussions on disability rights. The theme for this year’s lecture, “From Margins to Mainstream: Implementing the Edo State Persons with Disability Law 2022 for an Inclusive and Equitable Society,” signifies an important step from legislative action toward practical inclusion in society.