The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the poor implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the private sector. The inquiry aims to address the ongoing neglect of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) six years after the Act became law.
The public hearing, organized by the House Committee on Disability Matters, took place in Abuja, where lawmakers and stakeholders discussed the challenges hindering compliance with the law. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, in a statement read by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, expressed concern about the dismal state of implementation, warning that unless decisive action is taken, the law would remain a mere formality.
“Since its passage, less than five percent of the law has been implemented,” Abbas stated. “This is not rocket science. Adjusting buildings to be accessible and ensuring inclusion in public services are achievable goals if the political will exists. Yet, government agencies treat the Act like a joke, while PWDs continue to face daily barriers.”
A Law in Limbo
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to safeguard the rights of PWDs and ensure their access to public services, education, healthcare, and employment. However, Speaker Abbas lamented that the neglect of this legislation has stifled progress, with little or no commitment from the relevant agencies.
“The law mandates accessibility in public infrastructure, priority access in queues, and equal opportunity in emergencies. Yet, most MDAs are still non-compliant,” Abbas said. “This persistent disregard not only damages our societal values but also stunts our socio-economic development.”
The Speaker called for stricter penalties, proposing fines of N10 million for non-compliant corporate bodies, N2 million fines for individuals, and one year of imprisonment to compel adherence to the law.
Accessibility Remains a Major Challenge
Abbas highlighted the alarming absence of accessibility in public transportation and government buildings, lamenting the difficulties PWDs endure daily.
“Even in our public transportation systems, there is no consideration for PWDs. What kind of society have we become?” he asked. “We need to acknowledge that disability can happen to anyone at any time. Aging itself is a form of disability, yet we pretend this issue doesn’t concern us all.”
The Speaker stressed that the contributions of PWDs to national development are often overlooked, urging the government to do better in recognizing and harnessing their potential. “PWDs are workers, parents, and citizens who contribute meaningfully to our society. Their efforts must not be limited or dismissed,” he added.
A Call for Policy Reform and Collaboration
The Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Mr. Bashiru Dawodu, emphasized that the public hearing was organized to gather feedback from the disability community. Dawodu stated that the inquiry would assess key areas, such as accessibility to public infrastructure, employment opportunities, and the use of sign language interpreters in public communication.
“This hearing is intended to ensure that no policy concerning PWDs is made without their input,” Dawodu said. “The law mandates accessibility, yet many public buildings remain inaccessible, and inclusive practices like sign language interpretation are absent from media broadcasts and public events.”
Dawodu reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to driving change. “We need all MDAs to integrate disability inclusion into their plans, projects, and programs. The days of tokenism must end,” he declared.
PWDs Demand Stricter Compliance and Accountability
Members of the disability community who attended the hearing voiced their frustrations over the slow implementation of the law. They called for amendments to introduce more stringent penalties for non-compliance and demanded increased government accountability.
“Many PWDs are forced to navigate inaccessible buildings and public spaces daily,” said a representative of the community. “Our voices have been ignored for too long, and we can no longer tolerate the lack of action.”
The participants emphasized that inclusive policies and proper infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development and ensuring PWDs can live independently and contribute fully to society.
National Orientation and Political Will Lacking
Speaker Abbas also criticized the low level of public awareness about the law. He pointed out that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) had only recently begun efforts to educate Nigerians about the existence of the Disability Act.
“This ignorance reflects a failure in leadership,” he said. “Many government officials are unaware of the law’s provisions. It is shameful that six years after the Act was passed, we are still grappling with basic issues of awareness and compliance.”
He urged government institutions to collaborate with disability-focused organizations and special needs educators to improve service delivery. “We must learn from experts on how to effectively engage with the disability community. Only then can we achieve meaningful progress,” Abbas added.
Hope for Change
The House Committee on Disability Matters promised to ensure that the public hearing translates into actionable policies. “This engagement is only the beginning,” Dawodu said. “We will work tirelessly to hold MDAs accountable and push for full implementation of the Disability Act.”
The hearing ended with a renewed call for a more inclusive Nigeria, where PWDs are not marginalized but empowered to thrive. “The time for excuses is over. We must act now,” Abbas concluded. “PWDs deserve not just recognition but tangible support that allows them to lead dignified lives.”
The investigation is expected to continue, with follow-up hearings and consultations planned to ensure that the rights of PWDs are respected and enforced across the country.
