The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has called for decisive and sustained action to ensure that Nigeria’s Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, moves beyond symbolism and delivers tangible benefits to the people it was enacted to protect.

Hon. Abba Isa made the call while speaking as Special Guest at the 7th anniversary of the Disability Act, held in Abuja. He was represented at the event by his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Lanre Oloyede. The presidential aide warned against a situation where the landmark legislation ends up like many other Nigerian laws that remain unimplemented years after enactment, stressing that the Act “must live, breathe, and work for the people.”

He noted that the call aligns with the inclusive governance vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises equity, social justice, and the inclusion of all Nigerians, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The anniversary event was organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and hosted by the National Human Rights Commission under the theme “Nigeria’s Disability Act: Raising the Momentum for Effective Implementation.” According to Hon. Abba Isa, the theme reflects the determination of the Tinubu administration to translate legislative achievements into real and measurable improvements in the lives of over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities.

While acknowledging progress recorded so far, including the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the domestication of the Act by about 28 states, the presidential aide expressed concern that implementation remains weak across several sectors. He observed that many states that have domesticated the law are yet to establish functional implementation and enforcement structures, thereby reducing domestication to a largely symbolic exercise.

Hon. Abba Isa identified key obstacles to effective implementation to include weak institutional frameworks, inadequate funding, low awareness of the law among Persons with Disabilities and duty bearers, limited political will at the sub-national level, poor inter-agency coordination, insufficient data, and weak enforcement mechanisms.

To address these challenges, he advocated a multi-pronged strategy, urging state governments to urgently establish and adequately fund Disability Commissions or equivalent agencies. He also emphasised the need for sustained nationwide awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives to empower Persons with Disabilities to claim their rights and to enable institutions to fulfil their obligations.

According to him, disability inclusion must be mainstreamed into all government policies, budgets, and procurement processes, while stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the private sector, and development partners is essential to ensure accountability and compliance with the law.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to action over legislation, noting that laws only become meaningful when they translate into improved living conditions for the people they are meant to serve.

“Today, as part of the reset, we gather to drive the implementation of the Disability Act, ensuring that the rights of Persons with Disabilities are protected and that they are meaningfully included in decision-making processes,” Unumeri said.

Also speaking at the event, the African Director of the Disability Rights Fund, Dr. Theophilus, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts towards effective implementation of the Act. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria to advance disability rights in line with the provisions of the law.

In his remarks, the Founder of CCD, Mr. David Anyaele, reflected on the long struggle that led to the passage of the Disability Act, describing it as a collective moral cause rather than a quest for personal gain.

He acknowledged that while the disability community is yet to fully realise the promises of the law, the Act has already empowered many Persons with Disabilities and created livelihood opportunities.
Anyaele recalled how sustained advocacy efforts, including protests in Abuja in January 2019, eventually drew national attention to the bill, culminating in its assent into law. “By this time seven years ago, it seemed impossible, but our struggles paid off,” he recalled.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sam Amadi examined the apparent decline in momentum following the passage of the Act. He described advocacy as a phased and continuous struggle, warning against complacency after legislative victory. He called for sustained pressure and renewed commitment to ensure that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities functions effectively and that the promises of the Act become a lived reality for all Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.

The event ended with a collective call for renewed advocacy, stronger partnerships, and concrete action to raise the momentum for the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Disability Act, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate nation.

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