The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has convened stakeholders in Abuja to strengthen the implementation of the African Disability Protocol in Nigeria, focusing on improved coordination, addressing implementation gaps and developing a comprehensive work plan for 2027 to advance the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services and Enforcement at NHRC, Mrs Rabi Anwar, said the maiden convening of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) was designed to translate Nigeria’s commitments to disability rights into practical, coordinated and measurable action.
The African Disability Protocol, formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, provides a regional framework for protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Nigeria signed the protocol in February 2023 and ratified it in October 2023. The DITWG was inaugurated on 10 September 2026 to provide strategic direction, strengthen stakeholder coordination and advance the implementation of the protocol and other disability-related laws and policies.
Speaking at the meeting on 21 October 2026, Ojukwu described the gathering as a call to action, urging stakeholders to move beyond commitments towards practical implementation.
“Today’s convening is therefore a call to action. It provides an opportunity to move beyond discussions and commitments towards the practical implementation of the ADP through clear strategies, defined responsibilities and sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Ojukwu said the working group would establish functional subcommittees aligned with the protocol’s provisions and develop a comprehensive work plan for 2027.
He explained that the subcommittees would draw on stakeholders’ technical expertise to identify implementation gaps and develop targeted interventions within their respective areas of responsibility.
The working group will also contribute to preparing periodic reports for submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where appropriate.
Ojukwu commended Sightsavers for its continued support for disability inclusion and efforts to integrate disability rights into the activities of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as other relevant institutions and organisations.
He also recognised the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, which serve as co-chairs of the working group, alongside other members, for their commitment to advancing disability rights.
Reflecting on earlier efforts, the NHRC executive secretary recalled a two-day stakeholder workshop held on 8 and 9 October 2024 to strengthen participants’ understanding of their responsibilities under the protocol and other relevant disability-related legislation.
He said the establishment of the technical working group represented an important step towards translating Nigeria’s legal commitments into coordinated action.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to serving as the DITWG secretariat, coordinating stakeholder engagement and following up on the activities and recommendations of the subcommittees.
He noted that “the commission’s mandate includes promoting and protecting human rights guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution and international and regional human rights instruments to which the country is a party.”
He further cited Article 34(2) of the African Disability Protocol, which provides for national mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Ojukwu urged members to participate actively in deliberations and ensure that the proposed 2027 work plan contains clear priorities, achievable activities, measurable indicators and realistic timelines.
He expressed hope that the meeting would strengthen partnerships and produce actionable resolutions to improve the implementation of the African Disability Protocol and other disability-related laws in Nigeria.
While speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, Mr Mohammed Abba Isa, who was represented by Mr Lanre Oloyede, said “the true measure of our success will not be the number of meetings held or documents adopted, but the barriers removed, opportunities created, rights protected, and lives transformed.”
“Our task is to ensure that these commitments are reflected in legislation, public policies, budgetary allocations, institutional practices, and measurable outcomes. The DITWG must evolve beyond a consultative platform into an effective coordination and accountability mechanism,” he added.
Representing the country Director of SightSavers, Joy Shuaibu, Mrs Joy Tarbo said Sight Savers remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote disability rights, inclusive development and meaningful participation.
“Legislation alone cannot transform lives. Progress depends on sustained collaboration among government institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders who share responsibility for implementation,” she said.
