By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a bold and unprecedented move to actualize the rights of persons with disabilities across the African continent, Nigeria has taken a significant leap forward by convening a high-level Roundtable on the Implementation of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) in Abuja.
Held in the nation’s capital, the event was jointly organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and The Ability Life Initiative (TALI). The roundtable marked a critical transition from policy formulation and treaty ratification to tangible, on-the-ground implementation of Africa’s foremost regional disability rights instrument.
The African Disability Protocol (ADP), adopted by the African Union in 2018, is designed to complement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), but with a unique African context—addressing cultural, traditional, and systemic issues affecting persons with disabilities on the continent.
At the heart of the Abuja roundtable were far-reaching resolutions and bold commitments that many stakeholders described as “game-changing.” These include:
- Harmonisation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 with the African Disability Protocol, to create a unified legal framework.
- Adoption of disability-specific legislation at the state level to ensure that rights-based approaches cascade down to local governments.
- Establishment of a Disability Rights Trust Fund to drive sustainable financing for disability-related programs and projects.
- National awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding and support for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
A Gathering of National and Global Stakeholders
The event attracted a cross-section of powerful voices and influential stakeholders from across Nigeria’s disability rights and human rights landscape. Attending the roundtable were:
- Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, who described the African Disability Protocol as “a test of our national commitment to human rights.”
- Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, whose presence underscored the federal government’s growing political will toward disability inclusion.
- Ms. Ekaete Umoh, who represented the UN Resident Coordinator, bringing international development perspectives to the table.
- Leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), and a host of other Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society groups, and development partners.
Also lending weight to the conversation were representatives of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa—a demonstration of cross-ministerial commitment to disability rights.
Conversations That Sparked Fire: From Dialogue to Delivery
A powerful panel session, expertly moderated by disability rights advocate Mrs. Jenny Torhee, became the soul of the event. The session featured some of Nigeria’s most influential disability advocates and practitioners:
- Dr. Chike Okogwu, Executive Director of the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE),
- Mr. David Anyaele, Chairman, Abia State Disability Commission,
- Ms. Hellen Beyioku-Alase, National President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria,
- Ms. Esther Bature, Country Advocacy Coordinator, Sightsavers Nigeria.
Each panelist brought raw passion, data-driven insights, and community-grounded perspectives to the table. From the lack of accessible healthcare for the deaf and hearing-impaired, to the weak enforcement of disability laws at the state level, no issue was left untouched.
Perhaps the most captivating metaphor came from Ms. Esther Bature, who described the 2018 Disability Act as “a car,” and the African Disability Protocol as “its missing fuel.” Her analogy captured the urgency and necessity of integrating the ADP into Nigeria’s legal framework to power real transformation.
A Call for Action and Accountability
The roundtable wasn’t just a talk shop—it was a rallying cry. Founders of The Ability Life Initiative, Ms. Prada Uzodimma and Ms. Oprah Uzodimma-Ohaeri, passionately urged stakeholders not to lose momentum. They proposed the formation of a multi-stakeholder National Implementation Committee—comprising government actors, OPDs, and international development partners—to ensure structured accountability, coordinated delivery, and measurable results.
In their words, “This is not the time to slow down. Nigeria has made the promises; now we must build the systems that will deliver.”
They also advocated for increased investment in nationwide disability rights awareness campaigns, more robust disability-inclusive legislation across all six geopolitical zones, and comprehensive monitoring frameworks to track state-level progress.
The Road Ahead: Will Nigeria Lead Africa?
As the first African country to host such a strategic roundtable on the ADP, Nigeria now stands at a unique crossroads. Will the country emerge as a continental leader in the implementation of the protocol, or will the momentum once again fade into silence?
For many in the room, including grassroots OPDs and youth-led disability groups, the message was clear: It is time to act. With Nigeria’s increasing participation in global and continental disability summits—from the UNCRPD reviews to the Global Disability Summit in Germany—the onus is now on the nation to move from rhetoric to results.
As Dr. Tony Ojukwu aptly concluded, “The African Disability Protocol is a test of our national sincerity. The time has come for us to stop talking and start delivering.”
Indeed, from policy to practice, from summit to implementation, the path ahead may be long—but with commitment, collaboration, and courage, Nigeria can light the torch of disability inclusion for the entire continent.
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