Stakeholders have called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s climate change policies and legislation, stressing the need for governments at all levels to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities amid the growing impact of climate change.
The call was made by Professor Tajudeen Akanji, a Professor of Industrial and Security Education at the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, during the Inclusive Climate Action Resilient Education (I-CARE) workshop held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Professor Akanji, who is also the Principal Researcher for Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to review and update the provisions of the Nigeria Climate Change Act 2021 to adequately address the needs of PWDs, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The organiser of the workshop, Dr Basirat Razaq-Shuaibu, said the symposium was designed to promote critical policy dialogue on climate change, education and disability planning in Nigeria, while strengthening institutional capacity for disability-inclusive, ethical and equity-focused research.
The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr Ayodele Adekanbi, represented by a Rehabilitation Officer, Mr Rilwan Babalola, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Joke Sanni, represented by the Director of Community Development, Mr Lateef Oyediji, separately stressed the importance of data gathering and deliberate inclusion of PWDs in government policies and programmes.
They noted that PWDs had been considered in recruitment exercises in Oyo State and would also be considered in the payment of N-Care stipends.
A panelist and person with albinism, Mr Muyiwa Abegunde, appealed to government to prioritise the rights and welfare of PWDs, urging authorities to ensure that climate change interventions do not leave people with disabilities behind.
The five-day workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders from across the South-West states to discuss strategies for strengthening climate resilience, education and disability-inclusive development in Nigeria.
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