The federal government has issued a directive to local government authorities across the country to domesticate and implement the National Disability Framework—an initiative aimed at strengthening disability inclusion from the grassroots level.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special adviser on Special Needs, Mohammed Abba Isa, who Lanre Oloyede represented, stated that the directive aligns with the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and reflects global best practices to promote inclusive governance.
The National Disability Framework outlines key actions for local councils, including reviewing bylaws, establishing Disability Affairs Units, appointing qualified persons with disabilities to leadership roles, and allocating dedicated budgets for inclusive programs.
It also emphasises the importance of accessible public infrastructure and the collection of disability-disaggregated data for effective planning.
For her part, Project Lead at the Hope Inspired Foundation for Women and Youth With Disabilities (HIFWYD), Nwite Esther, described the framework’s implementation at the local government level as a “game changer.”
“This is a crucial step to see inclusiveness stem from the grassroots and flow upward to state and federal levels. It signals the beginning of true community-based development,” she said.
Also, Demonstrating institutional backing, Chief Venatus Okafor, who represented the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), assured that local councils across the country will strictly adhere to the framework.
“ALGON is committed to driving this framework into action across all local government areas. We recognise that true national development starts at the grassroots,” he stated.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that the framework addresses long-standing issues of marginalisation by creating a structured approach to integration, planning, and representation for persons with disabilities.
As Nigeria continues to pursue inclusive governance and sustainable development, the successful implementation of this framework by local governments could mark a turning point—transforming policy into visible impact and ensuring no citizen is left behind.
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