The Nigerian Federal Government has announced the approval of a dedicated budget to support healthcare programs specifically designed for people with disabilities throughout the country. This initiative has been applauded by stakeholders who are advocating for the complete implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
Dr. John Ovuoraye, the Acting Director of the Family Health Department within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement during a symposium held in Abuja. The symposium, organized by the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), focused on the current status and progress of implementing the aforementioned Act. It was held to commemorate the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2025.
From Donor Dependence to Government Funding
Dr. Ovuoraye emphasized that this new budget line represents a significant change, shifting from reliance on donor funding to consistent government investment in disability-related initiatives.
He stated that the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has personally approved this budget allocation, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage. Professor Pate recognizes that true universal health coverage cannot be achieved without the deliberate inclusion of persons with disabilities in healthcare planning and financing.
“We already have a Desk Officer for Disability Inclusion in the department,” Dr. Ovuoraye explained. “But beyond that, the Minister has approved a direct budget line to implement disability plans and programmes.”
He further clarified that this government funding is specifically designated for inclusion efforts, separate from donor contributions and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. This ensures a dedicated and reliable source of funding for disability-inclusive healthcare.
Improving Accessibility in Healthcare Facilities
Dr. Ovuoraye detailed how the new funding will be used to improve accessibility in healthcare facilities across the nation. These improvements include:
- Installation of proper ramps for wheelchair access.
- Widening of doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
- Construction of accessible toilet facilities.
- Implementation of color-coded navigation systems for individuals with visual impairments.
- Training of support personnel to assist patients with hearing impairments or dual sensory disabilities.
According to Dr. Ovuoraye, the directive issued in 2024 to all federal and tertiary health facilities to improve accessibility will now be supported by predictable funding. This will ensure nationwide implementation of these accessibility upgrades, moving beyond ad-hoc modifications.
Aligning with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act
Dr. Ovuoraye highlighted that the disability budget line is in direct alignment with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. This Act mandates every ministry to implement sector-specific components for persons with disabilities.
“Every Ministry has responsibilities under the 2018 Act,” he stated. “For us in health, this budget line ensures we can fulfil our mandate without waiting for donors. The population of Persons with Disabilities is large, and more resources are needed, but this represents a crucial starting point.”
He also noted that while previous administrations had attempted to allocate funds for disability inclusion, the 2024/2025 provision is distinct, larger, and more strategically structured.
Calls for Full Implementation and Increased Investment
Catherine Edeh, the Executive Director of VDI, addressed the symposium, urging the Federal Government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the general public to move beyond mere statements and fully implement disability-inclusive policies. She stressed that inclusion is a fundamental right, not an act of charity.
Edeh highlighted the daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly emphasizing the heightened risks of gender-based violence faced by women and girls with disabilities. She also noted their disproportionate denial of access to education and the struggles they encounter in accessing employment, healthcare, and justice.
“These are not abstract statistics,” she emphasized. “They are lived experiences, painful, daily reminders that disability inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right.”
Edeh called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, as well as increased investment in disability-inclusive justice systems, institutional reforms to embed accessibility across all sectors, and sustainable partnerships among government, civil society, international partners, and the disability community.
Legal Protections and Enforcement
Nkem Uchegbulam, Director of Compliance & Enforcement for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the legal protections now afforded under the Act.
He stated, “Today we mark Disability International Day for Persons with Disabilities in a different style. We mark it because we have a right under the law.”
Uchegbulam affirmed that the Commission will enforce all enforceable laws that mandate the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities into society.
Ene Ede, Chief Facilitator at Edoka Trauma Care Centre, emphasized the need for accountability and active participation from all organizations. She advocated for synergy between CSOs and the media to monitor the proper implementation of the Disability Act.
