By Lanre Oloyede
In a renewed commitment to disability inclusion, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has vowed to collaborate with key stakeholders to engage the 16 states yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Hon. Abba Isa made this declaration on Thursday at the official unveiling of The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) in Abuja, where he served as a special guest of honor.
Speaking during a panel session, the Senior presidential aide emphasized that the advent of TALI would significantly enhance efforts toward the full implementation of the National Disability Act, reinforcing that government alone cannot achieve this task.
He stressed that a partnership between public institutions and private organizations like TALI would ensure faster and more effective results.
Commendation for TALI and Advocacy Champions
The SSAP applauded the visionaries behind TALI, Mrs. Prada Uzodinma and Mrs. Oprah Uzodinma-Ohaeri, for their unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can thrive without barriers. He also recognized the First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, for her steadfast support of disability inclusion advocacy.
Hon. Abba Isa noted that the unveiling of TALI comes at a critical time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to implement the National Disability Act, 2018—a law designed to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. He acknowledged the significant progress made in disability advocacy, from the legal recognition of rights to the establishment of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD). However, he emphasized that these milestones were achieved through the relentless efforts of disability rights activists and organizations that challenged systemic discrimination and fought for equal opportunities.
Bridging Gaps Through Policy and Action
While celebrating these achievements, the SSAP acknowledged that the journey to full inclusion is far from over. “True inclusion is not just about laws and policies; it is about real, lived experiences—accessible healthcare, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and the elimination of societal biases,” he stated. He highlighted the unveiling of TALI as a pivotal moment in addressing these challenges and strengthening collective efforts to bridge existing gaps.
On behalf of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he assured stakeholders that the government recognizes and values the impact of initiatives like TALI. He reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is deeply rooted in inclusivity, and his office remains fully committed to partnering with organizations championing disability rights.
Ensuring Full Implementation of the National Disability Act
Hon. Abba Isa reaffirmed that enforcing the National Disability Act is a core mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He disclosed that upon his appointment, the President specifically tasked him with engaging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, donor organizations, and subnational governments to mainstream disability considerations into national policies and programs.
To fulfill this directive, his office has been actively holding strategic partnership meetings with MDAs and state governors to accelerate the implementation of the Act. A major milestone in this effort was the establishment and inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial and Agencies Committee on the Implementation of the National Disability Act in November last year at the State House Auditorium, Aso Villa, Abuja.
The committee is responsible for ensuring that all MDAs comply with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, with a particular focus on accessibility and inclusion standards.
Hon. Abba Isa concluded by reaffirming his commitment to driving meaningful change and ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.
