Association advocates stronger implementation of disability laws for enhanced inclusivity
Law
By EricJames Ochigbo
Abuja, Dec. 10, 2025 (NAN) The National Association for Exceptional Children (NAEC) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the implementation of existing disability laws and policies to improve access, inclusion and participation for persons with disabilities across the country.
The Executive Officer for Disability Inclusion and Implementation at NAEC, Mr Kalu Eke, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the association’s commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Eke said the association decided to join the global celebration to demonstrate support for children with disabilities, adding that the gesture would help build their confidence and sense of belonging.
“This is our first time celebrating this day since the inception of the association, and we are doing it for the children we advocate for, so they know that NAEC cares,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has several disability-related frameworks, including the National Inclusive Policy, the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, and an emerging Disability Health Inclusive Policy.
According to him, the challenge lies not in availability of legislation and polices but in poor political will for implementation of the various provisions.
“Government agencies are implementing less than five per cent of these provisions. Persons with disabilities still face architectural barriers in schools, offices and public spaces. What we need now is enforcement,” he said.
Eke urged the government to introduce stricter measures against agencies and individuals who violate disability laws, stressing that exclusion undermines national development.
Also speaking, the National President of NAEC, Prof. Julius Ademokoya, said the association comprises professionals and specialists in disability studies.
He said that the mandate of the association includes promoting special education and enhancing the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He said this year’s theme, “Full-Stream Disability-Inclusive Societies,” aligns with the association’s mission of creating communities that are accessible, accommodating and supportive.
“We must move away from segregating persons with disabilities. Every Nigerian society should be inclusive,” he said.
Ademokoya reiterated that disability should not be viewed as incapacity, citing global examples of high achievers, including former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and physicist Stephen Hawking.
He called for collaboration among parents, community leaders, professionals and government agencies to ensure practical, rather than theoretical, implementation of disability policies.
“The parents, families and communities also have roles to play in eliminating discrimination and in supporting inclusive environments,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi