The United Nations has called for a more comprehensive, inclusive approach to sustainable development in Nigeria, emphasising that people with disabilities must be fully integrated into national progress.
This message was delivered by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, during the 2024 commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) held on Wednesday in Abuja. Fall was represented by Dr. Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office and Representative a.i., UNESCO Abuja.
The event, themed “Green pathways to inclusion: Advancing disability rights in the just transition,” was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the UN Disability Technical Working Group, and the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI).
Fall noted that true development must be rooted in dignity and equal opportunity.
“Every person, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to live with dignity, equality, and opportunity,” he said, stressing that inclusion is not charity but a fundamental right and a collective responsibility.
According to him, persons with disabilities remain an essential part of Nigeria’s social fabric, yet they continue to face major barriers in education, employment, healthcare access, mobility, and participation in policymaking.
“These barriers are not insurmountable,” he said. “When we dismantle them together, the entire society becomes stronger.”
Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and its various technical working groups.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government, Mr. Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, said the Day serves as a reminder to take concrete action to promote accessibility and equal rights.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu has mandated his office to drive inclusion across all sectors, anchored on dignity, rights, and fairness.
Isa pledged continued advocacy, policy reforms, and targeted programmes to make Nigeria a continental model for disability inclusion.
“The journey to a fully inclusive society is long, but with sustained collaboration between the government, the UN, partners, and the disability community, we will build a nation where everyone can thrive,” he said.
Leaders of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), development partners, and representatives of UN agencies also participated in the event.