The Nigerian auditory impared community has urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the Nigerian Sign Language Bill, which seeks to provide for the establishment of a Nigerian Sign Language Council to regulate and standardise the language.
The call was made during an advocacy rally in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages.
The National President of the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf, Mr. Haruna Mohammed Safi, said; “official recognition of Nigerian Sign Language would help improve communication access and strengthen the participation of deaf Nigerians in society.”
He called for greater inclusion of the community in governance, education, healthcare, employment and other areas of national development.
Mr. Safi also called for improved access to quality education and socio-economic opportunities for deaf Nigerians, as well as greater inclusion in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Representing the Nigerian Government, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
He said; “government would continue to engage the deaf community and other stakeholders to ensure information is made accessible and that persons with disabilities participate fully in decision-making.”
The rally brought together representatives of the deaf community from across the country, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders ahead of the National Sign Language Convention 2.0 and the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Association.
