The State of Disability Inclusion Report (SDIR) presents the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of disability inclusion in Nigeria since the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2019. Conducted by Project Enable Africa, this landmark research evaluates the implementation of disability rights frameworks across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, analysing compliance with both national legislation and international standards established by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

The report examines five critical thematic areas

• Accessibility
• Education
• Health
• Employment, and
• Social protection

The SDIR 2024 serves as a crucial baseline for measuring future progress. It provides an evidence-based foundation for policy reforms and programmatic interventions needed to realise Nigeria’s commitments to disability inclusion. It emphasises that addressing implementation gaps requires coordinated action guided by the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” ensuring persons with disabilities are central to all initiatives advancing their rights and inclusion in Nigerian society.

Key Highlights from the Report 

• Inclusive education lacks adequate policy and support.
• Health services seldom accommodate disability-specific needs.
• Employment discrimination is widespread.
• Social protection programs fail to meet disability-specific requirements.
• Only 23 states have disability laws.
• Nigeria has only 15 states with operational agencies for disability inclusion matters exposing a gap between law and implementation.
• A regional comparison revealed deep disparities: the South-West showed stronger inclusion efforts, while the South-South, despite having substantial resources, lagged.

Join us for the launch of the State of Disability Inclusion Report as we discuss findings and shape the future of disability inclusion in Nigeria.