Abuja, Nigeria – September 2025 — In a historic move to strengthen disability rights and inclusive governance, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with Sightsavers, has inaugurated the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) in Abuja.
The Working Group is set to play a pivotal role in coordinating and monitoring Nigeria’s implementation of the African Disability Protocol (ADP), alongside the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, marking a new era of collaboration, advocacy, and action for over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.
A Commitment to Inclusive Human Rights
Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to disability rights. Represented by Mr. Harry Obe, Director of Economic and Social Rights at the NHRC, Ojukwu said the formation of the Working Group was one of the major resolutions adopted during a 2024 workshop that brought stakeholders together to explore ways of advancing disability inclusion.
“Let us remain committed as agents of change and stay focused on our shared vision of a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to contribute and succeed,” Ojukwu urged.
He explained that the DITWG is a multi-stakeholder body designed to:
- Monitor the implementation of the ADP (Articles 33 and 34),
- Provide technical support to institutions,
- Build capacity among stakeholders, and
- Mainstream inclusive policies and practices across key sectors.
Ojukwu also commended Sightsavers for their “unwavering commitment and support” in advancing disability rights, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.
NCPWD Promises Strong Partnership
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Gufwan, stressed that millions of Nigerians living with disabilities were eagerly awaiting the benefits of the African Disability Protocol.
“Nigeria has no reason to be found wanting in the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities,” he said, pledging the Commission’s full collaboration with the NHRC to ensure the successful rollout of the ADP.
Disability Community Welcomes the Milestone
The disability community also hailed the development as a landmark achievement.
Comrade Chris Agbo, Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), FCT Chapter, described the inauguration as a “major milestone in the fight for disability rights and inclusive governance in Nigeria.”
Agbo emphasized the significance of the ADP’s provisions, highlighting:
- Article 9 – Accessibility,
- Article 24 – The right to work and employment,
- Article 31 – The consultation and participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making.
“These provisions remind us that the Protocol is not just a document, but a roadmap for action,” he said, reaffirming the disability community’s readiness to partner with government and stakeholders.
He stressed that with political will, resource allocation, and collaboration, Nigeria could dismantle barriers that exclude persons with disabilities and move towards a society where they live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
Building an Inclusive Future
The inauguration drew wide participation, including representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society groups, and development partners.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group would become a driving force for policy change, implementation, and accountability, ensuring that disability inclusion is not only a legal framework but a lived reality in Nigeria.
With this landmark step, Nigeria signals its determination to align with continental and global standards on disability rights, ensuring that no one is left behind in its pursuit of inclusive development.
✨ The launch of the DITWG is more than an inauguration — it is a promise of action. It represents hope for millions of Nigerians with disabilities and a bold step toward breaking systemic barriers that have long hindered inclusion.
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