Nigeria Releases First Big Report on Disability Inclusion
On July 25, 2025, something very important happened in Abuja. For the first time ever, Nigeria launched a full report that tells the true story of how the country is treating people with disabilities. The event took place at the Transcorp Hilton and was led by Project Enable Africa, with support from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
This special report, called the State of Disability Inclusion Report 2024, shows what’s really happening in areas like education, healthcare, jobs, government support, and laws that affect persons with disabilities (PWDs). It highlights what is working, what is not working, and what needs to change urgently.
A Major Step Forward
Olalekan Owonikoko, the head of Project Enable Africa, called the report a big achievement. He said they didn’t just guess they spoke directly with people living with disabilities across the country. This report marks the end of the five-year waiting period that was set in the 2019 disability law.
Sad Truths Revealed
When presenting the report, Bukola Adebayo shared some worrying news: only 23 out of 36 states have made laws to protect people with disabilities, and only 15 have working agencies to support them. He begged all states to act fast make the laws, provide funds, and check public buildings to make sure they’re accessible to everyone.
He added that health insurance should be designed in a way that truly helps people with disabilities. “Let’s not pretend. Their needs are different, and our systems must reflect that,” he said.
NCPWD Promises Action
Ayuba Gufwan, head of the NCPWD (represented by Nkem Uchegbulam), said strong enforcement will now follow. They will start sending messages to ministries and state governments, asking them to follow the new report and obey the law.
Dr. Kola Olugbodi, a board member of Project Enable Africa, reminded everyone that the five-year “grace period” for states to act has ended. “This report is our mirror. We must ask ourselves, have we done enough?” he said.
Maryam Keshinro from the Ministry of Women Affairs (represented by Ayuba Richard) also spoke out. She said many people with disabilities, especially women and girls, are still being ignored. “Do our schools welcome children with disabilities? Are public places really accessible? Do we ever stop to hear their dreams?” she asked.
About 25 million Nigerians live with some form of disability. That’s a lot of people. The 2019 law says at least 5% of public jobs should go to PWDs, and all public places should be made accessible. This new report is more than just paper it’s a cry for justice.
If Nigeria truly wants to grow, then no one should be left behind.
