Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Disability Inclusion, Enforce Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Disability Inclusion, Enforce Rights of Persons with Disabilities

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of regional human rights instruments and existing disability-related laws.

The commitment was reaffirmed at the maiden convening of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) on Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.

Lanre Oloyede, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, and Rabi Anwar, who represented the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, addressed the gathering.

The meeting focused on implementing the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, also known as the African Disability Protocol (ADP), and other disability-related legislation.

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among government institutions and other stakeholders to translate Nigeria’s commitments to disability rights into practical outcomes.

According to Ojukwu’s address, the DITWG was inaugurated on September 10, 2026, to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and advance the implementation of the protocol and other relevant disability-related laws and policies.

Nigeria signed the protocol in February 2023 and ratified it in October of the same year.

The working group is expected to establish functional subcommittees and develop a comprehensive work plan for 2027, with clear priorities, measurable indicators, achievable activities and realistic timelines.

The subcommittees will identify implementation gaps, develop targeted interventions and contribute technical expertise within their respective areas of responsibility.

Key areas of concern include non-discrimination, accessibility, inclusive education, employment opportunities, access to justice, social protection and the protection of children with disabilities.

The initiative also seeks to improve access to essential services and promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in national development.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to coordinating stakeholder engagement and following up on the activities and recommendations of the subcommittees.

He added that the working group would contribute to preparing periodic reports for submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where appropriate.

The NHRC urged members to participate actively in the deliberations and develop practical strategies that would strengthen accountability and ensure the effective implementation of disability-related laws.

The convening is expected to strengthen partnerships among relevant institutions and promote coordinated action towards achieving disability inclusion, equal opportunities and the protection of human dignity in Nigeria.

Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Disability Inclusion, Enforce Rights of Persons with Disabilities