The United Nations has urged Nigeria to fully implement the Disability Act to achieve meaningful inclusion and protect the rights of millions of citizens with disabilities.

UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, Muhamed Fall, stressed that implementation must be rights-based, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.

Mr Fall spoke in Abuja on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting with the theme: ‘From paper to practice: Accelerating disability inclusion in Nigeria – Aligning the Disability Act Implementation with CRPD and UNDIS.’

He said the purpose was to move from laws to action, stressing that the dignity of 35 million Nigerians with disabilities must remain central to policy.

Mr Fall emphasised that when persons with disabilities can learn, work, and thrive without barriers, the entire nation benefits. He said bold steps had been taken but more action was needed.

The UN conducted a nationwide disability inclusion study, which informed changes at the UN House. Ramps, accessible doors and signage were introduced and applied to programmes nationwide.

Mr Fall said a UN Disability Inclusion Working Group had been established to embed inclusion in all programmes, budgets, and projects, supported by agencies including UNICEF, ILO, and UNDP.

Senior special assistant to the president on special needs, Mohammed Isa, admitted some states with disability commissions were delaying implementation, in spite of concerns raised by organisations and advocates.

He stressed that inclusivity requires a multi-faceted approach, with persons with disabilities leading advocacy to speed up policy execution, while government officials set aside personal interests.

Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters, Bashir Dawodu, noted the implementation status remained a key concern since the Disability Act was passed in 2018.

He said the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities had been working to coordinate and implement programmes, assuring that his committee would ensure tangible impact.

Keynote speeches were delivered by JONAPWD president, Abdullahi Usman, and the executive secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan.

The meeting featured discussions on barriers and opportunities, adoption of action points, and next steps to drive nationwide disability inclusion.

(NAN)