HAPI Strengthens Partnership with the National Human Rights Commission to Advance Disability Rights in Nigeria

On 19th August 2025, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) paid a courtesy visit to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headquarters in Abuja. This strategic engagement marked a new chapter in the fight for disability rights, inclusion, and human rights in Nigeria.

Introducing HAPI’s Mission for Disability Inclusion

Led by Aver Akighir (Executive Director), alongside Idowu A. Omeiza (Administrative Officer), Mercy (Program Manager), and Kelsey (Communications Officer), the delegation introduced HAPI as a women-led disability rights organization.

Since its registration in 2021, HAPI has championed initiatives that empower persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship, education, governance, and political participation. As an organization led by persons with disabilities, HAPI brings lived experiences into its advocacy and program designs.

Showcasing Key Initiatives

During the meeting, HAPI shared its ongoing projects aimed at building a more inclusive Nigeria:

• Domestication of the Disability Act in Benue State: Supporting the implementation of the Disability Act passed in August 2023, currently awaiting gubernatorial assent.

• Menstrual Hygiene Project: Promoting health, dignity, and inclusion for girls and women with disabilities through accessible menstrual health education.

• Global Disability Summit (GDS) Commitments: Preparing to train 40–50 young persons with disabilities in North-Central Nigeria, fulfilling Nigeria’s commitments from the Global Disability Summit held in Germany (April 2025).

NHRC’s Commendation and Support

Although the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ochuku, was unavoidably absent, the HAPI team was warmly received by senior NHRC staff, including the Director of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

The Commission commended HAPI’s efforts and pledged strong support. The meeting produced several promising outcomes:

• HAPI’s official recognition by the NHRC as a partner in disability rights advocacy.

• Agreement to begin the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process.

• Integration of Nigeria’s GDS commitments into NHRC’s monitoring and reporting.

• Access to institutional resources for scaling HAPI’s work.

Building an Inclusive Future

This courtesy visit sets the foundation for a long-term partnership between HAPI and the NHRC, ensuring that disability rights remain central to Nigeria’s human rights agenda. With combined resources, visibility, and expertise, both institutions are better positioned to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Nigeria for persons with disabilities.

Why This Matters

The collaboration between civil society organizations like HAPI and government bodies like NHRC is crucial for accelerating the domestication of disability rights laws, promoting inclusive education, addressing healthcare gaps, and empowering youth with disabilities through capacity building.

Together, we can leave no one behind.