The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has called on the National Assembly to amend the 2019 Disability Act to include stricter penalties for public officers who undermine its implementation.
In a statement issued today in Lagos to commemorate World Disability Day, CITAB’s Executive Director, Jolomi Fenemigho, emphasized the need for accountability to drive the Act’s effectiveness.
“The absence of clear consequences for negligent officials creates room for weak enforcement,” the statement read. “Without accountability, progress risks stagnating. Stricter sanctions will compel those in charge to act with urgency, ensuring the Act’s intentions are not just aspirational but a tangible reality.”
CITAB also urged the Federal Government to enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, describing the delay in implementation as unjust to millions of Nigerians with disabilities. Fenemigho remarked that such action would deliver overdue relief to those who have long been denied their rights.
He further highlighted the importance of December 3rd, a day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities globally.
“This day reminds us of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities across political, social, economic, and cultural spheres,” Fenemigho stated. “It is a call to action for governments and societies to build an inclusive world where everyone has equal opportunities and access.”
The CITAB leader criticized what he termed a “cycle of empty promises” by government officials, urging them to fulfill the provisions of the Disability Act without delay.
“The government’s approach to this issue is akin to a barber’s chair—constant motion but no progress,” he said. “We’ve seen endless meetings and committees, but no concrete results. This lack of action only perpetuates the frustrations of the disabled community in Nigeria.”
Fenemigho also charged the Tenth Assembly with overseeing the Act’s implementation through rigorous monitoring.
“The legislative committee responsible for the Disability Act must be diligent,” he noted. “Leadership must demand regular progress reports and ensure meaningful follow-ups. This is the only way to track real results and demonstrate genuine concern for the disabled community.”
Additionally, he called on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to intensify its efforts to bring the Act to life. According to Fenemigho, the Commission must ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully protected and promoted through practical measures.
“As custodians of the Disability Act, the Commission must ensure that promises of equality are fulfilled,” he said. “This includes improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Their active engagement will shape a more inclusive society.”
Fenemigho also urged the Commission to prioritize accessibility in public infrastructure and create awareness campaigns to advance integration. He emphasized that accessibility should move beyond rhetoric to become a planned and implemented reality.
In closing, he called on disability advocacy groups across Nigeria to unite, noting that the challenges of inclusion require a collective effort. “No single organization can tackle the complex barriers to full inclusion alone,” he said. “This global anniversary is a chance to amplify our shared mission.”
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