Abuja, Nigeria – In a landmark move that signals a shift toward a more inclusive society, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have hailed the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike and the World Bank for initiating practical steps to implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
This commendation was voiced by Susan Kelechi Onwoma, Vice Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), FCT Chapter, during a three-day capacity-building workshop and sensitisation program organized by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat with the support of the World Bank.
The workshop, themed around institutionalizing disability inclusion and rights-based approaches, brought together traditional leaders, community stakeholders, duty bearers, and disability rights advocates to deepen understanding of the Disability Act and chart a roadmap for its implementation in the FCT.
“For Persons with Disabilities in the FCT, This is Freedom”
Speaking passionately at the close of the event, Onwoma described the FCT’s renewed focus on disability rights as a historic and transformative moment for PWDs residing in Nigeria’s capital city.
“For persons with disabilities who live in the FCT, it is freedom. It is access. It is saying that persons with disabilities in the FCT matter,” Onwoma declared. “It shows that the government here recognizes our presence, our potential, our contributions, and our value.”
She emphasized that the era of viewing disability through the narrow lens of charity must give way to a broader framework of rights, dignity, and equal opportunity.
“For far too long, issues of disability have been treated as acts of pity and handouts. But this step is about institutionalizing our rights and ensuring they are implemented so that every PWD in the FCT can live a life of dignity. This is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Building the Foundation for Inclusive Governance
Representing the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, at the event, Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajia Majida Adamu, underscored the significance of the workshop, calling it a bold move toward the creation of an equitable society that leaves no one behind.
“This workshop is not just a ceremonial gathering; it is a strategic step that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This administration is committed to equity and inclusion—especially for women and persons with disabilities,” she noted.
Adamu praised the synergy between the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat and the World Bank, stating that their collaboration demonstrates how inter-institutional partnerships can catalyze real change for marginalized populations.
“I urge all participants to take the insights and strategies developed during this workshop back to their institutions and translate them into concrete actions. Together, we can build an FCT that reflects inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all,” she added.
Domestication of the Disability Act Gains Momentum
Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, expressed optimism that the event had set the stage for the full domestication of the Disability Act within the FCT.
“We have established a framework for collective action—working through the Women Affairs Secretariat, the Department of Social Development Services, and the newly established disability department. This workshop is a critical foundation,” she affirmed.
She highlighted that this initiative is not an isolated effort but a reflection of political will, innovation, and strategic governance driven by Minister Nyesom Wike and aligned with the national vision of inclusivity championed by President Tinubu.
“This is not just another slogan. It is a deliberate act of political will to reach and impact all communities, including those with disabilities. It is a model of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” she said.
World Bank’s Strategic Support
The World Bank’s involvement in the workshop was also lauded by participants and facilitators alike. Their technical and financial support is seen as a catalyst that has accelerated discussions around inclusion, compliance with global disability rights standards, and the urgent need for policy implementation at subnational levels.
The sensitisation effort, according to observers, mirrors global best practices in social inclusion and is a timely response to the demands of over 31 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, many of whom continue to face barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation.
A New Dawn for PWDs in the FCT
The establishment of a disability office within the FCT Administration, coupled with training and engagement of community and traditional leaders, is already being celebrated as a monumental step toward ensuring that the voices of PWDs are no longer ignored or sidelined.
For many, the workshop signified not just policy progress, but hope restored. It is a recognition that disability rights are human rights, and inclusion must be at the heart of governance and development efforts in Nigeria’s seat of power.
As the FCT takes the lead in institutionalizing the Disability Act, stakeholders across the country are watching closely. The message from the FCT is clear: the time for tokenism is over. It is time for action, dignity, and full participation of PWDs in all spheres of life.
Indeed, the FCT’s renewed commitment, supported by global development partners, could serve as a blueprint for other states to follow, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind—regardless of ability.
