Low citizen participation, weak enforcement undermine disability law implementation — Centre
Law
By Diana Omueza
Abuja, Jan. 20, 2026 (NAN) Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has identified low citizen participation and weak enforcement mechanisms as major factors hindering effective implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act.
The CCD acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the observation on Tuesday in Abuja during the 7th anniversary of the Disability Act.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anniversary had as its theme: “Nigeria Disability Act: Raising the Momentum for Effective Implementation.”
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.
He expressed the regret that 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.
“The Disability Act is a landmark legislation designed to promote inclusion of PWDs in all facets of social, economic, political and other associational life in Nigeria,” he said.
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.
“Has discrimination against PWDs reduced, as envisaged in the Act? Are public buildings, roads, railways, airports and other facilities universally accessible for PWDs, seven years later?.
“Has the law ensured the liberty and rights of PWDs to education, health services and everyday considerations, such as priority in queues, accommodation and emergency situations?” he queried.
Unumeri explained that the forum was convened to galvanise action beyond legislation, emphasising the need for enforcement and implementation of the Act to benefit PWDs nationwide.
Also speaking, 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.
Isa, represented by his Director of Media, Mr Lanre Oloyede, explained that weak enforcement largely results from the absence of sanctions for non-compliance and limited access to justice for affected persons.
He, however, acknowledged the progress, including the establishment of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the domestication of the Act in 28 states across the country.
“Seven years after passage, implementation remains a significant challenge. Many states are yet to establish functional enforcement agencies, rendering domestication symbolic rather than truly impactful,” he said.
Isa highlighted additional barriers to include 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.
The presidential aide attributed poor implementation to limited political will at sub-national levels, weak inter-agency coordination and insufficient data to guide proper planning, monitoring and accountability across sectors.
According to him, addressing the barriers requires deliberate and coordinated action, including nationwide awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes, while empowering PWDs to champion advocacy for a more inclusive society.
In his keynote address, 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 said that the commission was solely responsible for providing accurate assessments of the government’s handling of disability issues.
“When activists raise concerns but the commission continues to report that all is well, government will rely on the commission’s reports to showcase progress, both locally and internationally,” he said.
Amadi said that where the commission lacked accountability, it would undermine the efforts of the activists advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.
He emphasised the need for communities to identify and support credible champions who could hold the commission accountable.
“If the right people with the proper voice and profile are involved, then the commission can be guided or reformed. Without this, it becomes a cycle of neglect,” he said.
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 encourageed reflection, evaluation and actionable recommendations on disability inclusion.
Odumosu, represented by Mrs Oluwakemi Ojo, FCT NSCDC Disability Desk Officer, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to enforcing the disability law effectively across the territory.
He also urged organisations representing PWDs to remain persistent in advocating for a more inclusive, equitable and accessible society for all citizens.
Founder of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, called for urgent, sustained action and stronger commitments from all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the disability law.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DOM/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
