By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a landmark move demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to disability inclusion, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has inaugurated a groundbreaking Inter-Ministerial/Inter-Agency Committee on Disability Inclusion. The committee’s mandate is to ensure the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. The formation of this committee is a critical step forward in the country’s journey towards achieving equal rights and opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The inauguration took place at the Inter-Ministerial and Inter-Agency Disability Rights Awareness Summit held at the State House Auditorium, Aso Villa, Abuja. Supported by a generous grant from the MacArthur Foundation, the summit brought together high-profile government officials, disability rights advocates, and leaders from multiple sectors, all united in their commitment to advancing the enforcement of the Disability Act and ensuring compliance across various MDAs. The event marked a powerful display of solidarity, with leaders pledging to uphold accessibility and inclusion standards, with the understanding that sanctions will be imposed on any agency failing to meet these requirements.
Since assuming office, Hon. Abba Isa has worked diligently to ensure that disability requirements and perspectives are woven into every aspect of the government’s policies, plans, and programs. Under the directive of President Tinubu, he vowed to establish a presidential task team that would rigorously enforce the Disability Act. This newly inaugurated committee, a core component of that commitment, is expected to serve as a transformative force, aligning MDAs with national disability policies and driving progress across sectors.
Responsibilities and Goals of the Committee
The committee is chaired by the Special Needs Department of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, with Hon. Abba Isa’s office functioning as its Secretariat. It comprises representatives nominated by each MDA, a strategic decision aimed at ensuring a broad-based, capable body ready to undertake vital tasks.
The committee’s core responsibilities include:
- Accessibility Audits: Conducting comprehensive audits of all government facilities, including physical structures, to ensure accessibility. The committee will assess buildings for necessary modifications like ramps, railings, Braille signage, elevators, accessible restrooms, and audio guides. Beyond physical accessibility, digital accessibility will also be a priority, ensuring that online services, websites, and digital communications meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This includes screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and other tools that enable use by visually impaired individuals.
- Inclusive Policy Implementation and Training: The committee will collaborate with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to establish and implement disability-inclusive policies across MDAs. This will include staff training on disability inclusion and etiquette, equipping public service personnel with skills to interact inclusively with PWDs and provide equitable services.
- Disability Awareness-Raising: To foster a culture of inclusion, the committee will work with stakeholders to promote awareness within government offices and the broader public. Campaigns and awareness drives will highlight the rights of PWDs, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and encouraging widespread compliance.
- Developing an Implementation Plan: The committee will draft a detailed plan, complete with budgetary provisions, to ensure the full implementation of the Disability Act. Structural and policy accessibility audits will inform this plan, guiding MDAs in modifying facilities that fall short of accessibility standards. The plan will be comprehensive, allowing phased modifications that progressively improve accessibility for PWDs.
- Transparency and Accountability: To uphold accountability, the committee will implement a system for regular reporting and evaluation of accessibility standards. Collaborating with government agencies and OPDs, it will track progress and identify areas for improvement, creating a culture of transparency in disability inclusion efforts.
Inaugural Remarks and Renewed Commitment to Inclusion
During his keynote speech, Hon. Abba Isa expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with this important responsibility. He emphasized that his role as an advocate for PWDs is not only a duty but a calling. “My appointment by Mr. President is a duty and a calling. I am fully committed to advancing the rights, dignity, and opportunities of all PWDs across Nigeria,” he said.
The Senior Special Assistant extended heartfelt thanks to the MacArthur Foundation for their financial support, noting that their grant enabled his office to convene this vital summit. He encouraged other development partners to emulate the MacArthur Foundation’s commitment, which he described as essential to achieving lasting impact for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa also announced the recent establishment of the Association of Accessibility Professionals, a body dedicated to providing technical support to the committee and MDAs for implementing the Disability Act. He explained that this initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to uplift every segment of Nigerian society. “We are working to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” he affirmed.
The Senior Special Assistant also vowed to enforce stricter monitoring of MDAs to ensure compliance with the Disability Act. Moving forward, his office will issue quarterly press statements on the compliance status of each MDA and submit these reports directly to the President. In a powerful statement, he underscored President Tinubu’s readiness to sanction any agency failing to adhere to the Act’s provisions, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to disability inclusion.
The Role of Stakeholders and Call to Action
Representing the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Amina Salihu reiterated the importance of integrating the principles of the Disability Act into daily practices. She encouraged stakeholders, from government agencies to private sectors like hotels, to prioritize accessibility and adhere to inclusivity standards in public infrastructure. “It is only when the pillars of the Disability Act are committed to heart that we will see real change,” she stated passionately.
Dr. Ahmed Bolori, Strategic Adviser to Hon. Abba Isa, also underscored the potential of every individual, regardless of ability or impairment. He urged stakeholders to envision a Nigeria free from discrimination and emphasized that “disability or impairment does not define one’s potential.” Dr. Bolori’s call for collaboration resonated strongly, reminding attendees that disability inclusion is a collective responsibility.
The Way Forward
The summit concluded with a powerful call to action. Hon. Abba Isa and other attendees reaffirmed their commitment to the National Disability Act and its objectives, expressing a shared resolve to move beyond intentions and take concrete steps toward full implementation. This committee, tasked with a clear mandate and equipped with the necessary resources, is set to advance the rights, dignity, and opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria.
The event not only marked a new chapter for disability inclusion but also honored the spirit of the National Disability Act. With sustained efforts from government, civil society, and development partners, Nigeria stands poised to make meaningful strides toward a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
