Disabilities Act Remains Unimplemented in Nigeria: Playing Joke with the Lives of Millions

The Nigerian government’s Prohibition Against Persons With Disabilities Act, signed into law in 2018, remains a hollow promise, as the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Julius Ihonvbere, has lamented the non-implementation of the law by agencies in both the public and private sectors. The professor of Political Science stressed that unless the attitude towards the law is changed, the situation will remain the same.

Ihonvbere expressed concern that many Nigerians, including heads of government agencies, view the Act as a “mere joke,” and that the National Orientation Agency is only just beginning to acquaint Nigerians with the importance of the law. He also quoted the World Health Organisation report, which indicates that Nigeria accounts for about 20 million out of the 195 million persons with disabilities worldwide, representing a significant 3.9 per cent of the global total.

The House Leader attributed the lack of implementation to a lack of political will by the relevant authorities to get things done. He emphasized that adjusting buildings to be accessible and giving access to persons with disabilities is not rocket science, and that the absence of consideration for people with disabilities in public transportation is a reflection of the country’s disappointing attitude towards their welfare.

Ihonvbere proposed amending the law to impose fines and punishments for non-compliance, including a N10 million fine for corporate bodies and a N2 million fine for individuals, along with a year in jail. He also condemned the attitude of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the implementation of the Act, stating that the Act must be taken seriously to avoid damaging socioeconomic development and further impairing the understanding of the Nigerian people.

The Chairman of the Committee on Disability Matters, Bashiru Dawodu, organized a public hearing to gather information from the disability community on the level of implementation of the Act, highlighting the need for a more proactive approach to the issue.

As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the global disability crisis, it is imperative for governments to take concrete steps to ensure the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. In Nigeria, where 20 million individuals struggle with various disabilities, the implementation of the Prohibition Against Persons With Disabilities Act is long overdue. It is crucial that the government takes a more proactive approach to ensure the equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.