In a bold move to accelerate disability inclusion in Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has pledged to intensify engagement with the 16 states yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Hon. Abba Isa made this commitment on Thursday during the official unveiling of The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) in Abuja, where he served as a special guest of honor. Addressing key stakeholders, he emphasized the critical need for stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to drive the full implementation of the National Disability Act.
A Renewed Commitment to Disability Rights
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 was a landmark victory for disability rights advocates in Nigeria. The law, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs), mandates accessibility in public buildings, enforces a 5% employment quota, and provides legal backing for the rights of PWDs. However, six years after its enactment, only 21 states have domesticated the Act, leaving millions of Nigerians with disabilities without full legal protection.
Recognizing this gap, Hon. Abba Isa vowed to work closely with key stakeholders to engage the remaining 16 states and ensure that the Act is domesticated nationwide.
“The government cannot do this alone. True inclusion requires a collective effort from public institutions, private organizations, and civil society. That is why platforms like The Ability Life Initiative are essential in pushing this agenda forward,” he stated.
The Role of TALI in Advancing Disability Inclusion
The unveiling of The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) marks a significant milestone in disability advocacy. Founded by Mrs. Prada Uzodinma and Mrs. Oprah Uzodinma-Ohaeri, TALI is dedicated to promoting the rights, empowerment, and full inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of society.
Hon. Abba Isa commended the visionaries behind TALI, applauding their dedication to creating an environment where PWDs can thrive without barriers. He also recognized the First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, for her steadfast support of disability advocacy.
“The work TALI is doing aligns perfectly with our mission in government—to break down barriers and create an equitable society where no one is left behind,” he said.
From Policy to Action: Enforcing the National Disability Act
The Senior Special Assistant acknowledged the significant progress made in disability rights advocacy, from securing legal recognition to establishing the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD). However, he noted that the real challenge lies in full implementation.
“True inclusion is not just about laws and policies; it is about real, lived experiences—accessible healthcare, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and the elimination of societal biases,” he emphasized.
To drive enforcement, Hon. Abba Isa outlined several initiatives his office has spearheaded since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:
- Engaging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate disability considerations into national programs.
- Partnering with development agencies, donor organizations, and private sector players to mainstream disability inclusion in governance.
- Holding strategic meetings with state governors to push for the domestication and implementation of the Disability Act at the subnational level.
One of the major milestones in this effort was the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial and Agencies Committee on the Implementation of the National Disability Act, inaugurated in November last year at the State House Auditorium, Aso Villa, Abuja. The committee is tasked with ensuring that all MDAs comply with the law, particularly in the areas of accessibility and inclusion standards.
A Call to Action: Ensuring No One is Left Behind
While celebrating progress, Hon. Abba Isa made it clear that much work remains to be done. He called on disability rights organizations, media practitioners, and advocates to keep pushing for accountability and enforcement.
“The journey to full inclusion does not end with legislation—it begins there. We must work together to turn policies into real opportunities for PWDs,” he urged.
On behalf of President Tinubu’s administration, he assured stakeholders that the government is committed to fostering an inclusive Nigeria where persons with disabilities can live, work, and participate in society without barriers.
As Nigeria continues its push for disability inclusion, Hon. Abba Isa’s renewed commitment and the emergence of initiatives like TALI provide a glimmer of hope that the fight for equal rights is gaining stronger momentum. With sustained collaboration, advocacy, and legal enforcement, the vision of a truly inclusive society is within reach.
