Nigeria's Disability Justice: A Call for Systemic Reform

The article addresses the ongoing issues of disability justice in Nigeria, emphasizing that approximately 27 million Nigerians live with disabilities, facing significant barriers in accessing justice. A deaf woman from Kubwa experienced systemic neglect when seeking help from police, who lacked interpreters and dismissed her complaints.

The 2018 Disability Act guarantees access to justice, yet enforcement remains inadequate, with police and legal systems failing to accommodate individuals with disabilities. UNICEF reports that children with disabilities experience violence three times more than their peers, with legal frameworks not adequately addressing their needs.

The article critiques the lack of proper investigation protocols and the absence of accessible public buildings, which violate the Disability Act. It calls for reforms in legal procedures, including mandatory disability inclusion protocols and the establishment of accessible court facilities.

The World Bank's 2022 report indicates that Nigeria has less than five percent of public buildings fully accessible, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.