The United Nations has renewed its call for action to strengthen disability inclusion in Nigeria, citing the need for urgent reforms to legal frameworks and institutional capacities.
Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, UNESCO Nigeria’s Head of Office, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, emphasized the need to align the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act with international standards under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Abdourahamane identified critical gaps in the law, including: Exclusion of private sector organizations from employment quotas, Lack of workplace accommodations and assistive technologies, Insufficient digital accessibility standards.
“These gaps must be closed through amendments crafted with input from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and supported by international cooperation,” Abdourahamane urged.
He also emphasized addressing Nigeria’s significant disability data gap, proposing an action plan with measurable targets to ensure evidence-based policymaking. Additionally, the 2023 Revised National Policy on Inclusive Education requires a costed implementation plan to guarantee access to quality education for all.
Consultant Dr. Toyin Aderemi praised the 2018 Act for increasing awareness of disability rights but highlighted ongoing challenges, including insufficient gender inclusivity and weak policy coordination. “Progress has been made, but there is more to do to align with global best practices,” she remarked.
The event, hosted by UNESCO and the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), aims to validate key findings and foster strategic actions to advance inclusion. Abdourahamane described the workshop as a “turning point” for creating an equitable future where every individual can thrive.