ActionAid Nigeria has restated its commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, and dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs) as the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
In a statement issued to commemorate the Day, the organisation called for urgent action to strengthen inclusive policies and dismantle the social and institutional barriers that prevent millions of Nigerians with disabilities from fully participating in national development.
ActionAid noted that Nigeria faces a major challenge in disability inclusion, citing figures from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) that indicate about 35.1 million Nigerians are living with disabilities. Other civil society estimates, including those from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), place the number at roughly 29 million—underscoring persistent data gaps and the likelihood of undercounting.
According to the organisation, these figures highlight the daily struggles of millions who face stigma, exclusion from education and employment, limited healthcare access, and systemic neglect.
“Millions of Nigerians with disabilities embody resilience, talent, and potential, yet their contributions remain undervalued. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitments, ActionAid Nigeria outlined several priority areas:
-
Mainstreaming disability inclusion across all programmes, ensuring accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and participation in initiatives focused on poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
-
Advocating for rights and recognition by supporting PWDs to claim their rights to education, healthcare, decent work, social protection, and political participation.
-
Strengthening partnerships and community engagement with Disabled Persons’ Organisations, community leaders, and families to challenge stereotypes and foster respect and empowerment.
-
Enhancing data and visibility through advocacy for robust disability data collection and the establishment of a national disability data bank to guide policy and programming.
ActionAid urged the federal and state governments to accelerate implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, particularly in the areas of accessibility, social protection, inclusive education, employment, and healthcare.
It also called on the private sector, civil society organisations, and communities to adopt inclusive practices that eliminate physical, social, and attitudinal barriers.
“As the world commemorates World Disability Day, ActionAid Nigeria stands ready to work with partners, communities, and policymakers to build a country where no one is left behind—where persons with disabilities are recognized, included, supported, and empowered to fully participate in national life,” the organisation stated.
