The inaugural National Conference of Heads of State Disability Commissions has marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive governance and democratic participation for persons with disabilities. Held under the theme “Expanding Access to Inclusive Democratic Spaces for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria,” the historic convening signals a growing national commitment to equity, participation, and human rights.

Backed by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the event convened stakeholders from across all tiers of government, civil society, and international development agencies. The objective was clear: strengthen collaboration, streamline strategies, and accelerate the inclusion of persons with disabilities within Nigeria’s democratic architecture.

The conference drew high-level participation from across the disability and governance spectrum. Among the dignitaries present were:

• Abdullahi A. Usman, National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD),
• Hon. Mohammed Aba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters,
• Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh, UN Disability Inclusion Coordinator,
• Representative of the British High Commission,
• Theophilus Odaudu, West Africa Program Officer at the Disability Rights Fund,
• Executives and board members of JONAPWD,
• Leaders from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OfPDs).

This diverse representation underscored the national and international priority being placed on disability rights in governance.

At its core, the conference aimed to:

• Stregthen coordination,
• promote inclusive electoral practices, and
• align state level initiatives with national strategies that promote accessible and inclusive electoral systems for persons with disabilities.

Sessions included in-depth discussions on the barriers faced by People with disabilities in accessing democratic spaces, the role of political parties in enhancing accessibility, and the integration of disability-focused frameworks in state development plans. Participants also explored the intersections of education, technology, and inclusive policymaking.

“Inclusion is a Fact, Not an Opinion”

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the unwavering affirmation that disability inclusion is not an act of charity but a fundamental democratic imperative. As one speaker powerfully stated, “Inclusion is a fact, not an opinion.”

The gathering reinforced the understanding that genuine democratic progress must be inclusive of all citizens—regardless of ability. Speakers emphasized that investing in accessibility, education, and inclusive policymaking yields not only social benefits but also measurable economic returns for communities and the nation at large.

Voices from the conference:

The UN Disability Inclusion Coordinator, Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh, delivered a timely message. In her words:

“Today is a day of promise, a day when voices rises together to affirm one truth – “Inclusion strengthens democracy”. This gathering is not just a meeting; it is a milestone in Nigeria’s journey of hope and shared progress. No society can be whole if some are left at the margin. Persons with disabilities are not guests in our democracy, they are citizens, leaders, and builders of Nation’s tomorrow. An inclusive democracy not only protects rights, it unleashes creativity, it nurtures leaderships and it builds trust in institutions.” – Ms Ekaete Judith Umoh – UN Disability Inclusion Coordinator

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, Mohammed Aba Isa, delivered a compelling and visionary address, setting the tone for what many now regard as a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward full disability inclusion.

In his remarks, he described the gathering as a historic moment that signifies a new era in national efforts toward inclusive governance and democratic participation.

“This conference is a landmark that will be heard in the history of our country’s inclusion journey,” he declared.

Aba Isa underscored that with the expiration of the five-year moratorium, Nigeria has now fully entered the implementation phase of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. Encouragingly, he noted that a growing number of states are beginning to align with the Act by establishing implementation agencies.

“This progress is a direct result of the tireless awareness creation, advocacy and engagement efforts by committed stakeholders.”

However, he emphasized the need for increased collaboration and advocacy in states where implementation has yet to begin.

“For the remaining states yet to take action, we must strengthen collaboration, deepen engagement and intensify advocacy to ensure no state is left behind.”

Aba Isa stressed the critical importance of the conference, calling it:

“…the missing piece of the jigsaw. Bringing together the heads of states disability commission/boards provides a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and joint actions. The ripple effect of such synergy will undoubtedly accelerate the implementation of the Disability Act across the Federation while also opening up a greater space for the participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the political and democratic process of our country.”

He highlighted that the conference would also address one of the most urgent priorities in the disability inclusion agenda — electoral participation.

“I take note with delight that this landmark gathering will also address one of the most pressing concerns — aligning state initiatives which include swift electoral processes. As we prepare for future elections, it is imperative that persons with disabilities are not only voters but also active participants, aspirants, candidates, and decision makers in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

To guide future actions, Aba Isa outlined five key strategies to strengthen disability inclusion nationwide:

1. Strengthen Coordination
Promote regular peer-to-peer engagement among state disability commissions to share lessons, address challenges, and advance inclusive governance.

2. Inclusive Electoral Processes
Collaborate with INEC and state electoral bodies to ensure accessible voting materials, polling units, and guidelines that reflect the lived realities of persons with disabilities.

3. Capacity Development
Provide training for electoral officers, disability desk officers, and political stakeholders to eliminate stereotypes and build institutional awareness of disability inclusion.

4. Data-Driven Advocacy
Invest in data collection and research to document the experiences of persons with disabilities during elections and use the findings to inform policy and reform.

5. Partnership and Collaboration
Deepen alliances with civil society, development partners, and the private sector to mainstream disability across all levels of governance.

Aba Isa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to advance inclusive governance:

“I assure you that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will remain firmly committed to advancing access and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors, including Nigeria’s electoral and democratic process.”

He emphasized that deliberate steps are being taken to improve institutional frameworks, expand accessibility, and create real opportunities for inclusive political engagement:

“Initiatives have been put in place to strengthen institutional framework, improve accessibility and create opportunity for inclusive participation.”

In closing, Aba Isa extended an open invitation to partners, stakeholders, and state actors:

“As the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, I wish to categorically state that my office is always open for collaboration. Together, we can provide innovative solutions that bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities and equal participation in democratic spaces.”

Furthermore, the call for inclusive development echoed powerfully through the words of Dooshima Orjime, Social Development Advisor at the FCDO. She mentioned the following:

“Inclusion is a fact, not an opinion. For any country or society to achieve its maximum potential, intentional actions must be taken to ensure that everyone belongs and no one is left behind.”

She also went further to state that:

⁠“The inclusion of persons with disabilities in economic opportunities can increase a country’s GDP by three to seven percent.” – Dooshima Orjime – Social Development Advisor, FCDO

In the opening remarks of A.Z. Ya’u, Convener of the Situation Room, he captures the essence of inclusion” He states that:

“Inclusion is not just about participating in elections; inclusion is not just about participation in governance. It is also about the existential conditions that people find themselves in.”

According to A.Z. Ya’u, Convener of the Situation Room, the Conference provides a critical opportunity to assess the current state of inclusion in Nigerian society. It serves as a platform to identify existing gaps, examine the challenges encountered in promoting inclusion, and collaboratively develop strategies, both individual and collective, that can advance the inclusion agenda across the country.

The inaugural National Conference of Heads of State Disability Commissions serves as both a milestone and a mandate. It affirms that meaningful inclusion must be woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s governance—not only through policy, but through practice, representation, and accountability.

The challenge ahead is to transform the momentum from this gathering into sustained action across the federation. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the inclusion of persons with disabilities must remain a central pillar in the country’s development and governance agenda.