UN Collaborates to Ensure People Living with Disabilities Are No Longer Deprived

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations is collaborating with Nigerian government to ensure that people living with disabilities in the country are not shortchanged neither deprived because of their condition.

The United Nations on Tuesday conveyed the Review and Validation of the Situation Analysis on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Multistakeholder Capacity-Building Workshop at the UN House in Abuja hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and had in attendance varied stakeholders.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo said: “This event represents a significant moment in our collective journey toward disability inclusion in Nigeria. The Situation Analysis, conducted across selected geopolitical zones earlier this year, provides valuable insights into the status, challenges, and opportunities for persons with disabilities. It aligns with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and reflects our shared commitment to equity and inclusion.”

He noted that: “The analysis revealed critical findings that require immediate attention. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, needs to be reviewed to become fully CRPD-compliant. Gaps such as the exclusion of private organisations from the 5% employment quota, lack of provisions for reasonable adjustments and assistive technology for employees with disabilities, absence of guarantees for digital accessibility, and the missing costed implementation plan need to be addressed urgently.

“This requires amendments in consultation with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the support of international cooperation.

“It is also crucial to enhance the capacity of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to fulfill its role as an independent monitoring entity. Developing its organisational structure, guidelines, and working methods for disability inclusion, while ensuring meaningful engagement of OPDs, will be a step forward. Additionally, the significant disability data gap, particularly the lack of administrative data and its inclusion in general surveys, needs to be tackled. The government must roll out a detailed implementation plan for the Nigeria Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan, with annual targets, indicators, and budget allocations.”

He noted that: “The Revised National Policy on Inclusive Education in Nigeria (2023) is another area requiring attention, as it lacks an implementation plan. Prioritizing its rollout with a costed plan, specific targets, and indicators, in consultation with OPDs and other stakeholders, is essential to ensuring access to quality education for all.”

He said: “Today marks the beginning of a process that will ensure these challenges are addressed comprehensively.”

UN Collaborates to Ensure People Living with Disabilities Are No Longer Deprived