Nigeria moves to strengthen policy on intellectual, developmental disabilities

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Nigeria has initiated the validation process for a draft national policy on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This effort comes in response to concerns that current laws lack adequate guidelines for the effective inclusion of individuals with IDD in society.

A two-day stakeholders' workshop was held to gather input from government agencies, disability organizations, development partners, professionals, families, and caregivers. The goal is to create a practical framework that ensures the rights and support needs of persons with IDD are met across the country.

NCPWD Executive Secretary Ayuba Gufwam emphasized that the policy is crucial to transforming legal commitments into reality, allowing individuals with IDD to fully participate in society. The draft policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework addressing various aspects of life for persons with IDD, such as early intervention, education, skills development, healthcare, employment, social protection, independent living, and community participation.

The commission stressed the importance of involving persons with IDD, their families, and representative organizations in shaping the policy. The effectiveness of the policy hinges on its implementation at the state and local government levels. Relevant ministries, departments, and agencies are expected to integrate the policy into their development plans, programs, budgets, and service-delivery systems.

Programme Officer Fredrick Owuru from Rights in Action Project, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, highlighted that the existing Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act does not provide sufficient practical guidelines for including persons with intellectual disabilities. Implementation challenges, such as coordination among various ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the need for states to domesticate the law and establish structures to guide implementation, were identified.

Despite these challenges, Owuru pointed to Lagos State's efforts to include persons with disabilities in various sectors as a positive example.

Evangelist Babatunde Willoughby, President of the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria (AIDDN), pledged the organization's commitment to collaborating with NCPWD, government institutions, families, caregivers, and stakeholders to strengthen the policy. He stressed that the policy should lead to improved access to inclusive education, healthcare, rehabilitation, social protection, livelihood opportunities, family support, and legal protection.

Willoughby urged stakeholders to consider accessibility and inclusion in all planning, including elections, school construction, and the provision of places of worship.