By Ere-ebi Imisi
The protection and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) remain a critical responsibility of governments worldwide, as efforts to promote equal opportunities, rehabilitation, and alternative livelihoods continue to gain momentum.
In Nigeria, where over 35.5 million people live with disabilities, addressing societal neglect and ensuring access to essential services have become pressing concerns for both policymakers and advocacy groups.
Against this backdrop, the House Committee on Disability Matters, in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and with support from the MacArthur Foundation, held a one-day public hearing on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja. The hearing focused on the state of rehabilitation centers and the implementation of social protection programs for PWDs across Nigeria.
Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, Hon. Bashir Daudu, stated that the hearing was convened following numerous petitions and complaints from PWD communities regarding the lack of adequate social protection programs, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states.
He noted that after receiving these complaints, the House of Representatives passed a resolution mandating an investigation into the state of social protection programs and rehabilitation centers nationwide.
“This hearing serves as a platform for stakeholders to provide input on the state of social protection for PWDs,” Daudu disclosed.
“It is encouraging to see broad participation from stakeholders, but we are disappointed that key government representatives, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the Minister of Education, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), were absent. Their presence was crucial, considering the central role they play in these matters.”
Hon. Daudu further revealed that findings from the hearing would inform legislative actions, including a potential bill aimed at strengthening social protection policies for PWDs in Nigeria.
He noted that preliminary reports presented at the hearing painted a grim picture of the current state of rehabilitation centers. “It is appalling that some of these centers are practically non-functional. Many exist only in name, with no tangible impact on the lives of the people they are meant to serve,” he stated.
The discussions also touched on issues of economic and social empowerment, with particular attention to the high number of PWDs engaged in street begging due to the lack of rehabilitation programs. “A significant percentage of street beggars in Nigeria are persons with disabilities, and this is largely because they have no access to alternative means of livelihood,” Daudu noted.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of educational opportunities for children with disabilities, highlighting the need for inclusive policies that ensure no child is left behind. Hon. Daudu assured the PWD community that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing their rights, emphasizing that visible changes are already being implemented.
“For the first time in Nigerian parliamentary history, sign language interpreters have been approved in the House to facilitate communication for the deaf community,” he said..
Also, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD National President, Abdullahi Usman, also stressed the urgency of addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs.
He stated that the association remains committed to advocating for their rights and working with policymakers to implement lasting solutions.
“This public hearing is a major step forward in ensuring the social protection of persons with disabilities. We are collaborating with both government and non-governmental organizations to push for meaningful change,” he noted.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of reports by key government ministries and stakeholders on strategies to enhance disability inclusion and social protection while tackling street begging.
Ministries represented at the hearing included the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), along with various non-governmental organizations.
As the discussion moves forward, stakeholders have issued a strong call to action for the government to prioritize disability rights, increase funding for rehabilitation programs, and establish sustainable policies that promote the dignity and independence of PWDs. The outcome of the hearing is expected to shape future legislative and policy interventions aimed at fostering a more inclusive society.
