Abuja, Nigeria – The Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has condemned the persistent non-implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 by both government agencies and the private sector. Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Disability Matters, Ihonvbere lamented that unless drastic steps are taken, the Act risks becoming a “paper law” with no tangible impact on the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Passed six years ago and signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Act was designed to ensure equal rights and opportunities for PWDs, including access to public services, education, healthcare, and employment. However, the House Leader expressed disappointment that many government agencies have yet to begin implementation, and private sector compliance remains minimal.
A Law Ignored by Many Nigerians
During his remarks, Ihonvbere criticized the lack of awareness and seriousness surrounding the Act. He noted that many Nigerians, including top government officials, treat the law as if it were a joke. “Even heads of MDAs behave as though this law doesn’t exist. The political will to implement it is painfully low,” Ihonvbere said, adding that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has only recently started publicizing the law’s existence.
“The World Health Organization reports that Nigeria accounts for approximately 20 million out of the 195 million persons with disabilities worldwide,” Ihonvbere revealed. “This means 3.9% of the global disability population resides here in Nigeria. The question we must ask ourselves is, how well are we taking care of these 20 million people?”
The House Leader emphasized that the non-implementation of the Disability Act has had profound social and economic consequences. “What we are witnessing is a clear failure to appreciate the value that persons with disabilities contribute to national development,” he remarked. “Without action, this law will remain mere ink on paper.”
Accessibility Remains a Dream
Ihonvbere expressed frustration that essential infrastructure adjustments—such as accessible public buildings—have not been made. “This isn’t rocket science,” he said. “We are not asking MDAs to build spaceships but to adjust their buildings and make public services accessible to all Nigerians, including those with disabilities.”
He shared a personal observation: “When you travel abroad, you’ll see designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities. If you dare park there without a permit, someone will report you, and the police will intervene immediately. That’s the level of seriousness we need here.”
Call for Tougher Penalties
To curb the widespread neglect of the Act, Ihonvbere proposed amending the law to impose harsher penalties on violators. “We need to start holding people accountable,” he asserted. “Corporations that flout the law should be fined ₦10 million, while individuals should face a fine of ₦2 million and up to one year in prison. Public transportation, too, must be inclusive—what kind of society neglects its vulnerable members like this?”
He urged Nigerians to recognize that disability can affect anyone at any point in life. “Whether through illness, accidents, or old age, disability is a reality that can happen to anyone,” Ihonvbere said. “All humans have one disability or the other, whether visible or hidden. It’s time we stop pretending otherwise and build a society that leaves no one behind.”
PWDs Deserve Recognition and Support
Ihonvbere highlighted the need to acknowledge the contributions of PWDs to national growth. “They are our family members, parents, colleagues, and active participants in society,” he said. “They work, pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to the economy. We must not limit their ability to live full lives because of indifference and neglect.”
He stressed that the Act, under Part V, guarantees essential rights for PWDs, including access to healthcare, education, priority in public queues, accommodation, and emergency services. “However, these provisions are yet to be implemented across MDAs,” Ihonvbere lamented. “If this continues, it will cause severe harm to our socio-economic development and reflect poorly on us as a people.”
House Committee on Disability Matters to Investigate Compliance
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, explained that the public hearing was organized to assess the compliance of MDAs with the Disability Act. He noted that the inquiry would focus on key areas such as accessibility, employment, and the inclusion of PWDs in government programs and policies.
Dawodu pointed out that accessibility to public buildings and services remains a significant challenge. “We will examine whether MDAs have adjusted their facilities to accommodate PWDs and whether sign language interpreters are used in media broadcasts and public communications,” he said.
The Chairman assured stakeholders that the committee would engage all relevant parties to ensure that discussions lead to actionable outcomes. “This hearing is not just for show; it’s part of our strategy to enforce compliance and hold institutions accountable,” Dawodu stressed.
Commitment to Partner with Civil Society
Ihonvbere commended the civil society organizations (CSOs) that have actively supported the National Assembly in advancing disability rights. “We are grateful for the involvement of CSOs in this effort,” he said. “They have been invaluable partners since the early stages of this legislation. We will continue to work with them to ensure the law is implemented fully.”
The House Leader also reassured the disability community of the National Assembly’s commitment to their welfare. “We are in this struggle together,” he declared. “The leadership of the House of Representatives will provide the necessary support to ensure the full implementation of the Disability Act and any other assistance needed to build a more inclusive Nigeria.”
A Long Road Ahead
The hearing concluded with a collective call for action. Stakeholders emphasized that while the passage of the Disability Act was a significant milestone, the real work lies in translating policy into practice. They urged the government, private sector, and citizens to embrace inclusion and ensure that the rights of PWDs are respected in all areas of life.
“The Disability Act is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a society where everyone can thrive,” one participant remarked. “The time to act is now.”
With promises of stricter oversight and tougher penalties on the horizon, the hope is that the Disability Act will no longer gather dust but become a powerful tool for change. For Nigeria’s disability community, the hearing is a step forward—one that they hope will finally lead to the realization of the inclusive society they have long fought for.
