Nigeria’s disability law, a promise unfulfilled
President Bola Tinubu, addressing the nation. Photo Credit- Nairametric
By Eja Manifest Eji: In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act into law, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and equal rights for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
The Act was aimed at protecting PWDs from discrimination. However, more than five years later, its implementation remains largely ineffective.
Nigeria has an estimated 25.1 million PWDs according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These individuals fall under disability clusters like physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities and albinism.
Despite their significant population, PWDs continue to face systemic barriers due to the failure of government institutions and private organisations to comply with the law.
The Act provided a five-year moratorium, allowing institutions time to make necessary adjustments. This period expired in February 2024, yet many public buildings remain inaccessible, transportation lacks disability-friendly infrastructure, and job opportunities for PWDs are still limited. Even educational institutions fail to provide reasonable accommodations.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of enforcement and accountability. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), tasked with ensuring compliance, has limited authority and resources.
To address this, the government must establish a clear enforcement framework, strengthen the commission and impose strict penalties on institutions that violate the Act.
Civil society organizations and disability rights groups must also continue advocacy efforts to push for full implementation. Furthermore, there is a need for massive public awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes toward disability inclusion.
If Nigeria is truly committed to protecting the rights of PWDs, the time for empty promises is over. It is time for society as a whole to embrace inclusivity—not as a favor, but as a fundamental right.
