In a determined bid to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria, stakeholders from various organizations converged in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, for a capacity-building workshop focused on advancing equitable opportunities and inclusive policies. The workshop underscored the crucial role of government in ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the nation-building process.
The Scope of Disability in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
According to Nigeria’s National Population Commission, approximately 19 million Nigerians live with disabilities, a demographic that represents a significant portion of the nation’s population. Despite this large number, individuals with disabilities remain one of the most marginalized groups in the country, often facing systemic barriers that impede their access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
Research has consistently shown that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by poverty, with a lack of inclusion being a major contributing factor. The exclusion of persons with disabilities from societal, economic, and political spheres not only perpetuates their marginalization but also undermines the nation’s overall development.
A Gathering of Minds: Addressing the Gaps
The workshop in Maiduguri brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), disability rights advocates, and humanitarian organizations. Their shared objective was to identify the gaps in current policies and practices that contribute to the exclusion of persons with disabilities and to propose actionable solutions to bridge these gaps.
One of the key themes of the workshop was the need to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders involved in humanitarian response and disability inclusion. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on how to develop and implement strategies that prioritize the protection of women and girls with disabilities, a group that is particularly vulnerable to discrimination and violence.
“The aim of this meeting is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to develop and implement effective humanitarian response strategies that prioritize the protection of women and girls with disabilities,” said one of the organizers. “We believe that by empowering stakeholders, we can create a more inclusive environment where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld, and their contributions to society are recognized and valued.”
Focusing on Women and Girls with Disabilities
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities. This demographic often experiences a double burden of discrimination—first due to their gender, and second due to their disability. As a result, they are more likely to be excluded from educational opportunities, healthcare services, and employment, and are at a higher risk of experiencing violence and abuse.
Participants emphasized the importance of developing targeted interventions that address the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities. These interventions include ensuring access to inclusive education, providing vocational training and employment opportunities, and implementing policies that protect them from violence and discrimination.
“Women and girls with disabilities are often the most vulnerable in our society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are not left behind,” said a representative from an NGO focused on gender and disability rights. “We must work together to create an environment where they can thrive and contribute to the development of our nation.”
The Role of Government: A Call for Increased Inclusion
The stakeholders at the workshop made it clear that the government has a critical role to play in promoting the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities. They called on the government to develop and implement policies that ensure equitable access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including access to education, healthcare, and employment.
One of the key recommendations from the workshop was the need for the government to establish and enforce laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities. This includes implementing the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which was signed into law in 2019. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and mandates that public buildings and facilities be made accessible to persons with disabilities.
Stakeholders also called for increased funding for disability inclusion programs and services, as well as for the establishment of disability desks in all government ministries, departments, and agencies. These desks would be responsible for ensuring that the needs of persons with disabilities are considered in all government policies and programs.
“Inclusion is not just a moral obligation; it is also essential for the development of our nation,” said a government representative at the workshop. “When we include persons with disabilities in our development plans, we are tapping into a wealth of talent and potential that can drive our nation forward.”
The Path Forward: A Commitment to Action
The capacity-building workshop in Maiduguri was not just an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities—it was also a call to action. Stakeholders left the workshop with a renewed commitment to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and to working collaboratively to create a more inclusive society.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism that the discussions and recommendations made during the event would translate into concrete actions that improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and that their rights are protected,” said a disability rights advocate. “This workshop has given us the tools and the momentum we need to continue our advocacy and to push for the changes that are so desperately needed.”
Conclusion: Building a Nation that Includes Everyone
The workshop in Maiduguri was a powerful reminder that the inclusion of persons with disabilities is not just a matter of social justice—it is also a matter of national importance. As Nigeria continues to develop and grow, it is essential that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s progress.
By providing equitable opportunities to individuals with disabilities, the government and other stakeholders can help build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria, where everyone has the chance to succeed. The path forward is clear: it is time to take bold action to ensure that no one is left behind.
