BENUE FOCAL GROUP DISCUSSION ON COMPLIANCE OF NATIONAL DISABILITY ACT

Over 25 million Nigerians with disabilities have been struggling to access equal opportunities and services in the country. In January 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act, which was expected to bring about positive changes for this marginalized group. However, three years later, the Act is yet to be implemented, leaving persons with disabilities with little hope for change.

To evaluate the level of compliance to the National Disability Act in Nigeria, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) has initiated a project on the Level of Compliance to the National Disability Act by Public Institutions in Benue State. The objective of this project is to understand the extent to which public institutions in the state are complying with the provisions of the Act as it relates to accessibility, inclusion, and welfare for persons with disabilities.

The project also aims to identify some of the challenges impeding the level of compliance with the Act and understand the current social context of persons with disabilities in Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. This study will help HAPI to engage policymakers, stakeholders from line MDAs, and other state and non-state actors to improve their level of compliance with the policy provisions in the National Disability Act.

The findings from this study will provide critical information that will enable HAPI to advocate for better implementation of the National Disability Act. It is imperative to ensure that public institutions comply with the provisions in the Act, as this will provide persons with disabilities with equal access to opportunities and services, and ultimately improve their standard of living.

HAPI is committed to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and advocating for their inclusion in society. Through this project, HAPI is taking significant steps towards achieving this goal by ensuring that public institutions comply with the National Disability Act’s provisions. By doing so, persons with disabilities will be able to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as their able-bodied counterparts.