The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to allocate a minimum of ₦1 trillion annually to support the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
The association’s president stated that the large population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria warrants a significant increase in government funding. The group argues that the current financial provisions are insufficient to address the systemic barriers, healthcare requirements, and economic marginalisation faced by millions of Nigerians living with various impairments.
The demand, detailed in recent reports regarding disability rights advocacy, comes as activists seek more effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The proposed ₦1 trillion budget is intended to fund critical sectors including specialised healthcare, the provision of assistive technologies, inclusive education, and the development of accessible infrastructure. JONAPWD maintains that without dedicated and substantial annual funding, the legal protections afforded by the 2018 Act will fail to produce tangible improvements in the lives of the affected population.
Budgetary requirements for social inclusion
The push for increased funding is linked to the socio-economic challenges faced by PWDs, many of whom live below the poverty line due to limited access to vocational training and formal employment. The association contends that a robust budget would facilitate the creation of tailored training programmes designed to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream workforce.
Beyond direct welfare, the group is advocating for the mandatory integration of disability-friendly designs in all national infrastructure projects. This includes ensuring that transport systems, public buildings, and digital platforms are accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
While the 2018 Act mandates that government agencies and private organisations ensure equality and accessibility, advocates note that the lack of a specific, large-scale budgetary line item often leads to the exclusion of disability-related needs during the national budget collation process. As the Federal Government prepares upcoming fiscal cycles, the association has indicated it will engage with the National Assembly and relevant ministries to ensure disability rights are prioritised in the next budget.
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