The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 will be remembered as a momentous occasion for Nigeria’s disability community. For the first time in history, the National Assembly played host to the commemoration of this global event, marking a milestone in the quest for inclusion and representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), supported by UN Women, took a bold and strategic step by organizing the National Convention on the Representation and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Ongoing Constitutional Reforms. This landmark event, held at the prestigious Library Conference Hall of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, sought to address the decades-long marginalization of PWDs in Nigeria’s governance structures.
A Call for Designated Seats for PWDs
The highlight of the convention was the presentation of a memo by Lois Auta, the visionary CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities. Speaking on behalf of over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities, Auta passionately called for the reservation and designation of seats for women and men with disabilities in the National Assembly.
This compelling request was formally submitted to the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, through the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, and the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee. The proposal seeks to ensure that PWDs have a guaranteed voice in legislative decision-making, fostering an inclusive and representative democracy in Nigeria.
A Historic First for Disability Advocacy
The 2024 IDPD celebration marked several groundbreaking achievements:
- It was the first time the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated within the walls of the National Assembly.
- It was the first time the National Assembly hosted Organizations of Persons with Disabilities on this significant global day.
- It was the first time lawmakers actively participated in the commemoration, demonstrating a renewed commitment to disability inclusion.
This event underscores the increasing recognition of PWDs as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s socio-political development.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships
The success of this historic event was made possible through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders. UN Women provided critical support, aligning the event with global efforts to advance gender equality and disability inclusion. The National Assembly, alongside the Office of the Honorable Speaker and the Senate President, demonstrated exemplary leadership by hosting the event and engaging directly with disability advocates.
Key supporters also included the British High Commission, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. Global Affairs Canada and other international partners lent their voices and resources, further amplifying the significance of the event.
Voices from the Disability Community
Lois Auta, a prominent disability rights advocate, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the convention:
“This is not just about inclusion; it’s about justice. For too long, the voices of persons with disabilities have been ignored. Designated seats in the National Assembly will ensure that our unique perspectives and needs are represented in policymaking. This is a crucial step towards leaving no one behind.”
Similarly, Hon. Dr. Dawodu Basharu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, reiterated the importance of legislative backing for disability inclusion:
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a true democracy until every citizen, regardless of ability, has a seat at the table. The work begins now to turn these proposals into actionable policies.”
An Inclusive Event for All
The convention brought together a diverse array of participants, including representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Cedar Seed Foundation, and the Young Persons with Disabilities Alliance. Accessibility professionals and other civil society organizations also played active roles in ensuring the event’s success.
The Way Forward
As the dust settles on this historic event, the focus shifts to implementation. The memo presented by the Network of Women with Disabilities is now in the hands of the Constitutional Review Committee, and all eyes are on the National Assembly to take the next steps. Advocates are calling for sustained engagement to ensure that this momentum leads to tangible results.
A Celebration of Inclusion
The 2024 IDPD celebration at the National Assembly was not just an event; it was a symbol of hope and progress. It reflected the unwavering determination of Nigeria’s disability community to secure their rightful place in the nation’s leadership and governance.
Acknowledgments
The Network of Women with Disabilities extended heartfelt gratitude to all partners and supporters, including:
- UN Women Nigeria
- United Nations Nigeria
- National Assembly leadership
- Global Affairs Canada
- The British High Commission and FCDO
- Federal Ministries of Women Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, and Youth and Sports Development
- Disability organizations and advocacy groups
Their contributions and commitment to disability rights made this historic event possible.
#LeaveNoOneBehind
This event sets the stage for a more inclusive Nigeria, where the voices of persons with disabilities are not just heard but actively shape the future. The message from the convention is clear: We can lead. We will lead. And together, we will build a sustainable future for all.
