Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), one of the leading organizations of persons with disabilities in Nigeria celebrates the sixth anniversary of the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. This landmark legislation has been pivotal in advancing the rights, inclusion, and protection of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria. However, despite the significant milestone, the journey toward full implementation and enforcement of the Act remains an ongoing challenge.
Passed in 2018, the Act marked a turning point in the fight for equality and accessibility for PWDs. It was designed to integrate persons with disabilities into society while guaranteeing their rights to equal treatment, accessibility, and participation in all spheres of life. Unfortunately, six years later, public awareness of the Act and its provisions remains limited, creating barriers to its full implementation.
Celebrating Progress While Acknowledging Challenges
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, CCD Acting Director Godwin Unumeri remarked that while progress has been made in promoting the rights of PWDs, much work remains to be done.
“This milestone is both a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the challenges that persist,” Unumeri stated. “Now that the five-year compliance moratorium has expired, it is critical that we double our efforts to ensure the full implementation of the Act and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Nigerian society.”
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, which played a leading role in the passage of the Disability Act, has outlined a series of activities under the theme Advancing Disability Rights: Reflecting, Celebrating, and Renewing Our Commitments to Inclusion.
Activities to Drive Awareness and Advocacy
As part of the commemoration, CCD has planned media engagements, public advocacy campaigns, and a webinar to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and advocates. These events will serve as platforms to highlight the achievements of the Disability Act, discuss the obstacles hindering its implementation, and explore actionable strategies for accelerating progress.
The overarching aim is to raise public awareness about the Act and its provisions while engaging stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to promote inclusive policies and practices.
A Call to Action
CCD has issued a strong call to action to relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector actors and the general public, to prioritize the enforcement of the Disability Act.
The Act’s provisions, which include accessible physical structures, inclusive education, employment opportunities, transportation systems, and healthcare services, are critical for ensuring the full participation of PWDs in society. It also underscores the right of persons with disabilities to safety and protection in situations of risk, violence, emergencies, and natural disasters.
“Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a right enshrined in the law,” Unumeri emphasized. “We urge all stakeholders to uphold this right and work collaboratively to create a Nigeria where no one is left behind.”
Recognizing Key Efforts
The CCD also commended the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Agency Committee on Disability Inclusion, which is tasked with ensuring the compliance of MDAs with the Disability Act. CCD urged the committee to enforce accessibility standards and collaborate with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in developing policies that address the unique needs of PWDs.
“This committee is a critical component in driving accountability and ensuring that the provisions of the Act are upheld,” Unumeri said. “We encourage them to engage meaningfully with OPDs to develop and implement inclusive policies.”
The Road Ahead
As CCD looks to the future, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of PWDs through sustained advocacy and public awareness. It also called on Nigerians to champion disability inclusion, stating that collective action is essential for creating a society where every individual can thrive.
“Disability inclusion is not just a government responsibility; it is a collective effort that requires the commitment of every Nigerian,” Unumeri remarked. “By working together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible Nigeria.”
The CCD reiterated its belief that the full enforcement of the Disability Act would pave the way for a more inclusive Nigeria, where persons with disabilities can enjoy equal opportunities and live with dignity and respect.
As the nation marks this anniversary, CCD urges Nigerians to reflect on the progress made, celebrate the milestones achieved, and commit to advancing disability rights for a better future.
