The United Nations has called for a rights-based approach to the implementation of Nigeria’s Disability Act to ensure full inclusion and protection of the over 35 million citizens living with disabilities.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Muhammed Fall, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting themed “From Paper to Practice: Accelerating Disability Inclusion in Nigeria – Aligning the Disability Act Implementation with CRPD and UNDIS.”
Fall stressed that effective implementation must be guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), noting that “laws alone do not change lives—action does.”
He highlighted UN Nigeria’s efforts, including the creation of a Disability Inclusion Working Group and support through agencies such as ILO, UNICEF, and UNDP to promote inclusive employment, education, and access to services.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs, Mohammed Isa, acknowledged delays in some states’ implementation of disability commissions, urging collaboration and commitment beyond personal interests.
Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Dr. Bashir Dawodu, reaffirmed that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is working to drive the 2018 Act’s impact nationwide.
The meeting brought together government officials, disability advocates, development partners, and private sector representatives to address barriers and adopt action points for advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria.
