UN Supports Nigeria’s Disability-Inclusive Programme

The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s approach to fostering disability-inclusive sustainable development in the country.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, disclosed this at  the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD),  in Abuja,

Fall, represented by the Head of Office, UNESCO,  Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, said the UN remains ready to support efforts through the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the related technical working groups.

He said: “Every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity. Fostering dignity in society for advancing social progress, the theme of this year carries both a vision and a call to action.

“Inclusion is not a gesture, it is a right, it is a responsibility, it is a foundation upon which social progress rests. Inclusion is not just a policy; it is a promise.

It is a promise that every child can learn, every worker can contribute, and every citizen can participate fully in the life of the nation. In Nigeria, persons with disabilities represent a vital part of our society.

They are our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends, our family. Their dreams, talents, and aspirations are woven into the fabric of our communities. Yet, we know that barriers remain.”

He identified such barriers to be in education, employment, access to healthcare, mobility, and participation in decision making, saying they are not insurmountable and that they must be tackled together because inclusion strengthens society for all.

Also speaking at the event, the  Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Mohammed Isa, explained that the occasion was not only to reflect but to act with renewed actions, commitment, and strategic direction.

Noting that  President Bola Tinubu has mandated every sector to prioritise inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the federation.

He added that, to foster a disability-inclusive society, Nigeria must adopt a holistic, multi-sectoral approach anchored on rights, dignity, and equal opportunity.

“I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to deepening advocacy, driving policy reforms, and implementing targeted interventions that will make Nigeria a model of disability inclusion in Africa.

The journey to a fully inclusive society is long, but with the commitment of the United Nations, the Nigerian Government, development partners, the disability community, and everyone of us, we will advance social progress. We will build a nation where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive,” he said.

The event with the theme: “Green pathways to inclusion: Advancing disability rights in the just transition” was jointly organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations Information Centre (UNIC),  featured remarks by the President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr Abdullahi Aliyu, and Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive-Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Others are representatives of the UN system, heads of agencies, development partners, and leaders of organisations of PWD. Others include the UN Disability Technical Working Group and the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI), a disability-led global organisation advancing environmentally sustainable livelihoods and inclusive green economic opportunities.