…As Experts Highlight Technology as Key to Independence and Inclusion
In a major step toward disability inclusion and healthcare reform, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making Assistive Technology (AT) accessible, affordable, and safe for over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities. This bold declaration was made during a high-level stakeholder meeting held in Abuja, signaling a new era of hope and practical support for millions of Nigerians whose lives can be transformed through assistive devices.
Dr. Okolo Eme, the National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme, delivered this assurance while addressing stakeholders from across the health, technology, and disability sectors. She emphasized that assistive technology is not a luxury, but a human right—a critical tool that enables independence, mobility, communication, education, and productivity for persons with disabilities, older persons, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
“Access to assistive technology is a condition for equal opportunity and full participation in society,” Dr. Eme stated firmly. “It is about dignity, inclusion, and empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.”
Unlocking Potential Through Technology
Dr. Eme highlighted a range of assistive devices—from simple spectacles and hearing aids to more complex technologies such as prosthetics, wheelchairs, screen readers, Braille displays, and accessible mobile applications. These solutions, she noted, can drastically enhance the quality of life for individuals living with functional limitations.
With Nigeria’s population steadily increasing and life expectancy rising, the demand for assistive technology has also surged. Dr. Eme stressed that the time to act is now. “Investment in assistive technology is not just a health strategy—it’s a national imperative,” she said.
As part of this drive, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is preparing to roll out a series of interventions under the Renewed Hope Outreach Connect Initiative. The initiative aims to distribute assistive technology devices—such as eyeglasses and hearing aids—to vulnerable populations across the country.
“We are creating space through policies, guidelines, and targeted outreach,” Dr. Eme said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda places people at the centre, and we are working to ensure every Nigerian who needs AT has a pathway to access it.”
A Broadened Mandate for Inclusive Healthcare
The National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme, formerly focused solely on eye health, has now expanded its scope to encompass hearing and other sensory functions. This shift marks a more holistic and inclusive approach to disability-focused healthcare in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Eme, partnerships will be key to the success of the AT agenda. “There are 30 million Nigerians with disabilities. No single entity can shoulder this alone. That’s why we’re bringing in development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and the affected communities themselves,” she said. “We’re taking it one step at a time, one bite at a time—but with collective effort, we will scale.”
Mainstreaming AT into Society and Healthcare
Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali, Chief Medical Director of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, and Vice Chair of the National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme, called for the mainstreaming of assistive technology into Nigeria’s healthcare system and broader society.
She lamented the lack of public awareness around AT and its benefits. “Many people with visual and mobility impairments live for years without aid, simply because they do not know that solutions exist—or they cannot access them,” she said. “Yet something as simple as a pair of glasses or a wheelchair can dramatically transform their daily lives.”
Dr. Hassan-Wali emphasized the urgent need for public education and awareness campaigns to demystify assistive technology and eliminate stigma. “We need to normalize AT the way we normalize medications or immunizations. It should be a standard part of care,” she said.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The stakeholders’ meeting concluded with a resounding call for multi-sectoral collaboration. Representatives from development agencies, civil society organizations, professional associations, and organizations of persons with disabilities all agreed that a unified approach is necessary to create a sustainable ecosystem for assistive technology in Nigeria.
The move aligns with global development goals and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified. Ensuring access to AT is central to achieving inclusive education, employment, healthcare, and community participation.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Hope for Millions
With the Federal Government’s reaffirmed commitment, a robust policy direction, and strategic partnerships already in motion, hope is being renewed for millions of Nigerians who rely on assistive technology for daily functioning.
As Dr. Eme aptly summarized, “Assistive technology can be a game-changer for Nigeria. If we invest in it today, we secure a more inclusive, productive, and equitable future for everyone.”
The journey may be long, but with sustained efforts, strong leadership, and community engagement, Nigeria is taking significant steps toward making inclusion a reality—not just a promise.
