There should be equal opportunities for all citizens
The recent demonstration at the National Assembly by scores of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the Niger Delta region should be a wake-up call for the authorities. Part of their grievances include being discriminated against in the distribution of opportunities despite the fact that many of them have the requisite qualifications. The demonstration came at a time many air travellers on wheelchair were prevented from boarding their flights on account of the same problem of discrimination.
In January 2019, a law outlawing discrimination against people with disabilities in Nigeria came into being. At the time, many considered the law a major milestone on the rights of persons with disabilities in our society. But nothing seems to have changed. A recent news report stated clearly that about 98 per cent of public buildings in the country such as schools, hospitals, banks, even shop stalls, where some can make economic transactions, are still inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Yet persons with disabilities constitute about 31 million of the Nigerian population. Now that there is a National commission for persons with disabilities which the board have been fully inaugurated. They should roll up their sleeves and get to work.
It must be noted that public buildings in our country have over the years become nothing but a reflection of the attitude of the society towards persons with disabilities. They are still discriminated against and face social stigma. From transportation which allows movement and interactions, through health, recreations and even educational services which can make PWDs compete effectively, people with one disability or another are most often deprived of their rights. Everywhere and every day, obstacles are thrown on their paths.
In their recent paper on ‘Social inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities’, Rosa Martinez and Vemuru argued that when the attitudes of a community are negative towards a particular, vulnerable group, they will struggle much more to realise their potential. “Persons with disabilities in Nigeria persistently face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing basic social services and economic opportunities. Today, they face greater barriers brought about by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” they contended. These are challenges that critical stakeholders must begin to address.
Cosmos Okoli, an enterprising man who has proved that there is ability in disability once said: “We have had cases where some principals and headteachers refused candidates with disabilities admission not on the basis of incompetence but for their disabilities.” To worsen the situation, many are regarded by their families as a source of shame and treated as objects of charity. The few vocational training centres set up by government are ill-equipped and ill-maintained. Many end up in the streets as beggars while others turn to other socially unacceptable behaviour to generate income.
We are averse to the demeaning and disdainful manner that PWDs are treated. Besides the law that compels the government to accommodate them in any major enterprise, Nigeria is a signatory to many international conventions that support equal opportunities for all their citizens. The United Nations defines equalisation of opportunities as “the process through which the general system of society, such as the physical and cultural environment, housing and transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities are made accessible to all.” This should be the goal. There is also UN convention of the rights of Persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) which Nigeria is a signatory to.
The government as a matter of policy must create a conducive atmosphere for social, economic and political integration of PWDs in our society. Even if old public institutional buildings should be modernised to accommodate them, new ones should be built in such a way that they provide access to PWDs. Attempts must also be made to open up educational and employment opportunities so that they can compete and embrace life with more confidence. PWDs in our midst must be empowered to help themselves and their families and contribute their bit to the growth and development of the society.
