By Kasim Sumaina, Abuja
Stakeholders from Nigeria’s justice system, civil society, and disability rights organizations have called on the federal government to urgently provide equitable access to justice for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). They emphasized the need for an inclusive justice system that accommodates the specific needs of PWDs, urging the integration of disability-friendly infrastructure and communication services across the legal framework.
The appeal was made during a high-level dialogue on equitable access to justice and inclusivity for PWDs in Nigeria, held on Sunday. The event, organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) with support from the European Union under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), gathered experts and stakeholders to address systemic barriers preventing PWDs from receiving fair and inclusive treatment within the legal system.
Infrastructural and Communication Barriers in Focus
Participants identified key challenges hindering PWDs from accessing justice, including the absence of essential infrastructure, financial limitations, and poor communication accessibility in courtrooms. The lack of sign language interpreters, inaccessible public spaces, and discriminatory attitudes were flagged as critical obstacles that continue to undermine the rights of PWDs in Nigeria’s justice system.
In a communique issued after the dialogue, stakeholders called for urgent reforms, starting with the deployment of sign language interpreters in courtrooms to ensure fair hearings for people with hearing disabilities. Additionally, they emphasized the need to install ramps in public buildings, including courts, to enable easy access for those with mobility impairments.
Experts Call for Awareness and Assistive Technologies
Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, a renowned lawyer and international consultant with expertise in human rights law and migration policy, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the structural challenges facing PWDs. She stressed that increasing public awareness is crucial to transforming Nigeria’s justice system.
“We must not underestimate the power of awareness creation,” Onyemelukwe said. “Making courtrooms accessible and ensuring fair hearings through the provision of sign language services are urgent steps. Inclusivity in justice must go beyond infrastructure—it must reflect in the way PWDs are treated throughout the process.”
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, echoed this sentiment in his remarks. He emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns aimed at eradicating prejudices against PWDs. Justice Baba-Yusuf also called for the adoption of assistive technologies within the justice system, noting that these tools are critical to helping PWDs navigate legal proceedings.
“It is not enough to protect vulnerable groups,” Baba-Yusuf said. “The legal system must empower them, ensuring that they can access justice on equal terms.”
Inclusive Reforms in Correctional Services
The dialogue also highlighted the challenges faced by PWDs within Nigeria’s correctional facilities. Representing the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Dr. Glory Essien spoke about the importance of inclusive reforms for inmates with disabilities. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in the dialogue and emphasized the need for correctional facilities to cater to the unique needs of PWDs during incarceration.
“The criminal justice system must be reformed to address the needs of PWDs,” Essien noted. “Our facilities must go beyond confinement; they must foster dignity, respect, and rehabilitation for all, regardless of disability status.”
The Need for Urgent Policy Action
The stakeholders stressed that creating an inclusive justice system requires deliberate efforts by both the government and society. They urged the federal government to prioritize reforms that would eliminate systemic barriers and promote equal access to justice for all Nigerians, including PWDs.
The communique called for a comprehensive strategy, including:
- Mandatory Sign Language Services: Ensuring every courtroom has sign language interpreters to facilitate effective communication during trials.
- Disability-Friendly Infrastructure: Installing ramps and accessible restrooms in courts and other public buildings.
- Assistive Technologies: Introducing tools such as audio descriptions, text-to-speech devices, and accessible legal documents.
- Capacity Building: Training judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officers on disability rights and inclusive practices.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching nationwide campaigns to educate the public on the importance of inclusivity in justice delivery.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Participants at the dialogue emphasized that achieving justice for PWDs goes beyond legal reforms; it requires a societal shift in attitudes toward disability. They called on civil society, media, and advocacy groups to continue championing the cause for inclusivity, ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.
“This conversation is long overdue,” one participant noted. “Justice must be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. PWDs should not face double marginalization—both from society and the justice system meant to protect them.”
As the dialogue concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the rights of PWDs, with a renewed focus on breaking down the systemic and structural barriers that impede their access to justice. The event served as a reminder that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done to build a justice system that truly serves all Nigerians.
This dialogue is expected to catalyze further conversations and actions toward achieving the full integration of PWDs in Nigeria’s justice system, setting a precedent for inclusive governance and social equity in the country.
