Introduction to the Disability Act
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has identified low citizen participation and weak enforcement mechanisms as major factors hindering the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act. The CCD acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made this observation during the 7th anniversary of the Disability Act, themed: “Nigeria Disability Act: Raising the Momentum for Effective Implementation.”
Challenges in Implementing the Disability Act
Unumeri warned that continued neglect of the law could deprive persons with disabilities (PWDs) of their legally guaranteed fundamental human rights and full inclusion in social, economic, and political aspects of the Nigerian society. Despite glimpses of progress, seven years after the law’s passage, accessibility challenges remained, stigma persisted, and representation of PWDs in decision-making processes was still limited across the country.
Gaps in Implementation
The director questioned whether the provisions of the Act had meaningfully increased the inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria’s institutions and structures, highlighting gaps in implementation and societal acceptance of the law. He asked if discrimination against PWDs had reduced, as envisaged in the Act, and if public buildings, roads, railways, airports, and other facilities were universally accessible for PWDs.
Need for Enforcement and Implementation
Unumeri explained that the forum was convened to galvanize action beyond legislation, emphasizing the need for enforcement and implementation of the Act to benefit PWDs nationwide. Mr Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, expressed concern that seven years after enactment, the law’s implementation remained slow across multiple sectors and levels of governance.
Barriers to Effective Implementation
Isa attributed the slow implementation to weak enforcement, largely resulting from the absence of sanctions for non-compliance and limited access to justice for affected persons. He also highlighted additional barriers, including weak institutional frameworks, inadequate funding, low awareness of the law among both PWDs and duty bearers, as well as other challenges that had continued to hinder effective implementation.
Call to Action
A human rights expert, Dr Sam Amadi, urged Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to actively hold the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) accountable, ensuring it fulfilled its mandate rather than merely functioning as a government bureaucracy. Amadi emphasized the need for communities to identify and support credible champions who could hold the commission accountable.
Commitment to Disability Inclusion
Mr Olusola Odumosu, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, commended the organisation for creating a platform that encouraged reflection, evaluation, and actionable recommendations on disability inclusion. Odumosu reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to enforcing the disability law effectively across the territory.
Conclusion
The effective implementation of the Disability Act requires urgent, sustained action and stronger commitments from all stakeholders. The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities and other organisations representing PWDs must remain persistent in advocating for a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible society for all citizens.
FAQs
- What are the major factors hindering the effective implementation of the Disability Act?
- Low citizen participation and weak enforcement mechanisms.
- What are the consequences of neglecting the Disability Act?
- Deprivation of PWDs of their fundamental human rights and full inclusion in social, economic, and political aspects of the Nigerian society.
- What is the role of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities?
- To provide accurate assessments of the government’s handling of disability issues and ensure the implementation of the Disability Act.
- What is the call to action for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities?
- To hold the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities accountable and ensure it fulfills its mandate.
- What is the commitment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps?
- To enforce the disability law effectively across the territory and promote disability inclusion.
