As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the Voice Persons With Disabilities Community of Practice Network (Voice PWD CoP Network) has renewed calls for urgent, accountable, and meaningful disability inclusion across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the group lamented that despite years of advocacy and the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, millions of Nigerians with disabilities still encounter daily barriers—from inaccessible public buildings and non-inclusive schools to policy gaps and limited participation in governance.
Representing the network, Favour Afokeoghene Adjara said this year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” reinforces the reality that Nigeria cannot attain true development while persons with disabilities remain excluded from education, employment, digital access, and public life.
“Disability inclusion is neither charity nor an act of goodwill—it is a matter of human rights, social justice, and smart national investment,” Adjara emphasized. “When persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, society benefits through greater innovation, stronger communities, and more resilient economies.”
The Network demanded accountability from the government at all levels, private institutions, and development organizations, urging them to go beyond symbolic support and take concrete steps toward full inclusion. They stressed that real progress requires accessible infrastructure, effective laws, inclusive technology, and leadership opportunities for PWDs—particularly women and girls who face multiple layers of discrimination.
Among its key demands, the group urged the Nigerian government to:
Ensure full accessibility of all public infrastructure in line with the National Disability Act 2018.
Implement the Inclusive Education Policy 2023 by integrating children with disabilities into mainstream schools.
Expand economic and vocational opportunities for PWDs and enforce the 5% minimum employment quota.
Fully domesticate, fund, and strengthen disability-inclusive policies at both state and federal levels.
The Voice PWD CoP Network announced plans to host nationwide discussions focusing on:
Closing the digital divide and creating inclusive online spaces.
Promoting safe digital and physical environments for women and girls with disabilities.
Expanding digital literacy and participation among PWDs.
The network, an initiative under the VOICE Project supported by Oxfam, serves as a collaborative platform for disability-focused organizations to share knowledge, advocate for rights, and co-create solutions. Since its inception in 2021, it has championed inclusive education, healthcare, employment, climate action, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
“A New Year of Reflection and Advocacy” — DINABI Director
In his remarks, Mr. Funso Olajide, Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), described IDPD as a “new year” for the disability community—a moment to celebrate resilience despite persistent challenges.
He expressed concern that many disability-related policies and legal frameworks remain largely unimplemented.
“We have laws and policies meant to protect persons with disabilities, but many of them are simply sitting on the shelf,” Olajide stated. “Issues ranging from social protection and climate change to healthcare remain urgent, yet unresolved.”
He called on Nigerians and the global community to join in driving meaningful change:
“Today, we are calling on everyone to work with us so that we can collectively achieve a society where social change benefits all.”
With over 27 million Nigerians living with disabilities, the Network reiterated that the time for pledges has passed—what is needed now is action, accountability, and sustained political will to build a truly inclusive Nigeria.