In a bold and significant move towards strengthening the legal protection and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with key stakeholders and state governments, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at improving access to justice for PWDs. This initiative is set to address the pressing need for mechanisms that ensure redress in cases of discrimination or violations of the rights of PWDs.
At a sensitization workshop organized by the Commission, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building institutional capacity and ensuring the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. Chief Gufwan emphasized that compliance, monitoring, enforcement, and legal redress are crucial to creating an inclusive society where the rights of PWDs are respected and protected.
“We are entering a new era of enforcement,” Chief Gufwan declared. “For too long, many Persons with Disabilities have suffered in silence, facing discrimination and exclusion from various sectors of society. Today marks a significant turning point. We are determined to ensure that PWDs have full access to justice whenever their rights are violated.”
A Staggering Reality
According to Chief Gufwan, there are over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities—a number larger than the population of some African nations. This startling figure underlines the urgency of addressing the rights of this significant segment of the population. The Executive Secretary noted that, when factoring in the families, friends, and caregivers of PWDs, the number of people directly affected by disability-related issues climbs even higher, illustrating the vast scope of this challenge.
“The suffering endured by many PWDs in Nigeria is profound,” Chief Gufwan explained. “Many have experienced depression and emotional trauma due to the maltreatment they receive from various sectors of society. Now that the five-year moratorium period of the Act has elapsed, we are moving into the era of enforcement. From today onward, it’s action time.”
The Executive Secretary went on to express his gratitude to the many disability advocacy partners who have worked tirelessly to champion the rights of PWDs, as well as the stakeholders committed to seeing the full implementation of the Disability Act. Chief Gufwan also extended his thanks to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) for their invaluable support in training legal practitioners and other stakeholders involved in administering justice for PWDs.
Strengthening Legal Redress for PWDs
One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the Operational Guidelines for the Provision of Legal Protection and Redress, a key document aimed at ensuring that PWDs have clear pathways for seeking justice when their rights are violated. Chief Gufwan emphasized that this sensitization workshop is the first step in empowering participants to bring the Disability Act to life, ensuring it serves as more than just a document but rather as a living, breathing tool for change.
“The Disability Act must go beyond the letters; it should become a living document that transforms lives,” Gufwan stressed. “This workshop empowers participants to begin implementing the Act fully, and we expect that it will lead to tangible changes in how cases of discrimination against PWDs are handled.”
The two-day workshop is part of a broader capacity-building initiative stemming from a Capacity Needs Assessment Report conducted by the NCPWD. The report highlighted the need to build the skills and knowledge of the Commission’s staff, particularly those in the legal unit, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to effectively implement the Act and its Operational Guidelines.
Building Capacity for Justice
In her welcome address, Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, Head of the Development Partnership and Programs Unit at NCPWD, echoed Chief Gufwan’s sentiments, emphasizing the workshop’s role in supporting the Commission’s mandate to protect PWDs. Mrs. Ogolo-Dickson explained that the workshop aims to equip both the Commission’s staff and its stakeholders with the tools they need to ensure the operationalization of the Act.
“This capacity-building workshop is aimed at supporting staff and stakeholders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to operationalize the Act,” she said. “Our goal is to empower participants to address cases of discrimination effectively and to ensure that PWDs have access to justice when their rights are violated.”
Mrs. Ogolo-Dickson expressed hope that the workshop would lead to the development of comprehensive referral pathways through which complaints of rights violations can be effectively addressed, ultimately leading to a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.
Broad Support from Stakeholders
The workshop attracted a diverse range of participants, including representatives from international partners such as the World Bank, IDEA International, and the European Union, as well as the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Judiciary Institute, the National Human Rights Commission, paramilitary organizations, and key disability advocacy groups such as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). State representatives and media personnel were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of building a broad coalition of support for this initiative.
The active involvement of these stakeholders reflects the widespread recognition of the need for a concerted effort to address the systemic barriers that prevent PWDs from accessing justice. Through collaboration, the NCPWD and its partners hope to create a society where PWDs are no longer marginalized or left behind.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Enforcement
As Nigeria moves into this new era of enforcement of the Disability Act, there is a palpable sense of momentum. With the support of key stakeholders and international partners, the NCPWD is poised to make significant strides in protecting the rights of PWDs and ensuring that they have access to justice when those rights are violated.
For PWDs across Nigeria, this initiative represents a beacon of hope. After years of advocacy, the promise of legal protection and redress is finally becoming a reality. With the tools and knowledge gained through this capacity-building initiative, legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders are now better equipped to champion the rights of PWDs and ensure that justice is served in cases of discrimination or rights violations.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Disability Rights in Nigeria
The sensitization workshop hosted by the NCPWD marks a critical turning point in the fight for disability rights in Nigeria. As Chief Ayuba Gufwan so aptly stated, the era of enforcement is upon us, and with it comes the promise of a more inclusive and equitable society for PWDs.
Through collaboration, capacity building, and a renewed commitment to justice, the NCPWD and its partners are working to ensure that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, is not just a law on paper but a transformative force for good in the lives of millions of Nigerians with disabilities.
This workshop is a powerful reminder that, together, we can build a society where no one is left behind, and where every Nigerian—regardless of ability—can access the justice and equality they deserve.
