A recent survey conducted by the Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has revealed that Lagos State is leading the way in implementing accessibility to infrastructure and services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in line with the National Disability Act. The survey, which aimed to assess the level of disability inclusion in various states across Nigeria, also examined compliance with UN Inclusion Strategy Scorecard (UNIDIS) criteria.
According to Damian Ivom, the CCD Senior Programme Officer, Lagos State has exceeded the requirements of UNIDIS criteria, ranging from state consultation and engagement with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to accessibility and security for PWDs. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, utilized a standardized scorecard tool to measure the levels of inclusion provided for PWDs.
While Lagos State demonstrated high levels of implementation, the survey indicated that there is still room for improvement in inclusivity across all states to meet international standards. As a result, Ivom called for the revision of the 2018 National Disability Act to align with UNIDIS criteria for uniform and comprehensive implementation. He also urged for advocacy partnerships, training of stakeholders, setting up of timelines, and the constitution of task forces to monitor the Act’s provisions.
The survey report underscores the need for greater awareness and enforcement of penalties outlined in the disability act. This proactive stance is essential to ensure that PWDs have equal access to infrastructure, services, and opportunities, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.
The CCD’s findings position Lagos as a global benchmark for disability inclusion, setting a compelling example for other regions to follow suit. This invaluable insight places significant emphasis on the urgent need for nations worldwide to prioritize and enforce measures that guarantee inclusivity and accessibility for all.
