According to the World Health Organisation, about 16% of every population, that is 1.6 billion or 1 in 6 people are persons living with disabilities globally. Nigeria has between 27 and 31 million people living with disabilities though, figures published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) differ from those of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and disability rights advocates.
Little or no progress five years after
In December 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced again, the enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. The Act was passed into law by the National Assembly in January 2019 after more than a decade of advocacy – a landmark achievement for social justice advocates.
The Act prohibits discrimination against anyone based on physical, mental, or sensory disability and, provides a five-year transition period from its enactment to enable modification of public structures and services to meet the peculiar needs of persons living with disabilities. To ensure enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities was established in 2020 with the mandate to coordinate and implement activities that guarantee their full inclusion into society in areas of education, health, social, economic, civil rights, and related matters.
However, despite these policy and regulatory provisions, progress towards inclusion has been slow across all sectors. We live in a society that predominantly shames, stigmatises, and excludes persons living with disabilities from full participation in social and public life. Nigeria barely has persons living with disabilities in public office and, has yet to see progress in the implementation of the 5% provision in the Act for employment of persons living with disabilities. For women and girls living with disabilities, it is double jeopardy as the situation has even more deleterious consequences with varying degrees of abuse, violence, and exploitation.
Human Enough
Only last week, Debola Daniel, son of the former Governor of Ogun state and a serving Senator was denied service in one of the major fast-food outlets at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He and his family were told in clear terms: “wheelchairs are not allowed here!” Debola expressed his outrage and pain over social media detailing daily experiences in the life of a person living with disability and the exclusion he faces constantly. While many empathised with him, others used it to score cheap political points, citing his elite status and proximity to power.
While his parentage might play a significant role in the spread of the news and the attention it got, we cannot deny that this is often the fate (and even worse) of many others across the country. His status in no way exempts him from exclusion. Thankfully, responsible government agencies have swung into action to call KFC to order with various forms of sanctions meted out. KFC has since issued an apology. However, the positive end in Debola’s case is an exception, not the norm. We must reverse that trend and ensure justice for all persons living with disabilities.
Persons living with disabilities are human, and enough. They have rights according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (ACHPR). The UNCRPD states that some persons living with disabilities die up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities, have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity or poor oral health; face many health inequities; find inaccessible and unaffordable transportation 15 times more difficult than for those without disabilities and; endure unfair conditions including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and health.
Towards Disability Justice and Inclusion.
To make progress towards disability justice, we must focus on legislation and policy reform because implementing and enforcing laws that protect the rights of people living with disabilities is crucial. This includes anti-discrimination laws, accessibility regulations, and policies that promote inclusive education and employment opportunities. The Disability Act must begin to bite more than it barks, and government must empower and provide adequate resources for the Disability Commission to implement its mandate.
Firstly, there must be targeted investments in infrastructure, technology and education to ensure that public spaces, transportation, buildings, and digital platforms are accessible to people living with disabilities. This can involve ramp installations, Braille signage, captioning services, and website accessibility features. The government and private sector must invest in promoting disability awareness and sensitivity training in schools, workplaces, and communities to combat stereotypes, stigma, and ableism. Education and awareness play a vital role in fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity.
Secondly, we must prioritize elevating the voices and perspectives of people living with disabilities in decision-making processes, media representation, and leadership positions. Empowering individuals to advocate for their rights and participate fully in society is essential for driving systemic change, and promoting inclusive employment practices that encourage businesses and organizations to adopt inclusive hiring practices, provide reasonable accommodations, and create supportive work environments for employees living with disabilities. Diversity and inclusion in the workforce benefit both employers and society as a whole.
Thirdly, we must ensure equitable access to healthcare services, rehabilitation programs, assistive devices, and support networks which includes addressing healthcare disparities and promoting holistic approaches to wellness and independence. We must also foster partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organisations, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders to develop inclusive initiatives, share resources, and collaborate on advocacy efforts.
Fourthly, we must recognize the intersecting identities and experiences of persons living with disabilities, including race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. Intersectionality informs a more nuanced understanding of systemic barriers and the need for inclusive solutions.
Finally, there must be regular assessment of progress, identifying gaps, and adapting strategies based on feedback from persons living with disabilities and stakeholders. Continuous improvement is essential for maintaining momentum and addressing evolving needs and challenges.
The Time Is Now
By embracing these approaches and working collaboratively towards equity and inclusion, we can navigate the path to disability justice and create a more just, accessible, and inclusive world for all. It is important to include the voices and perspectives of communities of persons living with disabilities in decision-making processes that directly impact them. To fully commit to doing this, the principle is that policies, programs, and actions should not be imposed on people without their meaningful participation and representation. It underscores the idea that those who are directly affected by a particular issue or problem should have a say in the solutions and strategies devised to address it.
Therefore, we must intentionally ensure inclusion of persons living with disabilities across all sectors by making strategic efforts towards equity. We can no longer afford to exclude or ignore 16% of our population. Doing so is a gross injustice to humanity and an infringement of basic human rights as enshrined in the Constitution. However, disability justice and inclusion require a multifaceted approach addressing various societal aspects.
Many Nigerians like Debola, face discrimination every day and have no voice, power or agency to pursue justice and redress. Others live in multi-dimensional poverty and suffer abuse with grave consequences. Debola’s experience should propel more advocacy and call the attention of society as well as the government to take immediate steps to protect the rights of persons living with disabilities. This is a watershed moment and social justice advocates must take advantage of the current outrage. Quite frankly, given the health infrastructure in Nigeria, we are all one misadventure away from temporary or permanent disability. May Nigeria not happen to us in a bad way!
An African proverb says you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence. Hence, persons living with disabilities must lead and be at the forefront (with the support of every one of us) of advocacy and social justice calls for inclusion because ultimately and as they have so stated, nothing for us without us.