Abuja: Dr. Chike Okogwu, National Leader of Persons with Disabilities in the African Democratic Congress, emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy remains incomplete while millions of persons with disabilities face exclusion and limited access to essential services. Okogwu issued this statement during a Democracy Day message in Abuja, calling for the full implementation of disability rights laws and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okogwu highlighted that despite Nigeria’s democratic gains, many persons with disabilities continue to experience hunger, unemployment, inaccessible healthcare, poor transportation, and inadequate social protection. He stressed that democracy should be measured by its ability to protect and empower the most vulnerable members of society. Okogwu stated that if a wheelchair user cannot access a public building or a blind graduate cannot secure employment due to discrimination, then democracy has failed.
Okogwu also expressed concern over the impact of rising food prices and inflation on persons with disabilities, noting that many struggle to afford basic necessities like food, transportation, and medication. He pointed out that emergency response systems and camps for internally displaced persons often fail to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities. The ADC chieftain criticized the high unemployment rate among qualified persons with disabilities, attributing it to persistent discrimination and inaccessible workplaces.
He noted that although the Disability Act has been enacted, its implementation remains weak, with many public facilities and services still inaccessible. According to him, healthcare services, transportation infrastructure, and digital platforms continue to exclude many Nigerians living with disabilities. Okogwu outlined the ADC’s proposed social protection and inclusion agenda, which prioritizes disability grants, accessibility compliance, inclusive healthcare, employment opportunities, and accessible transportation systems.
Furthermore, Okogwu advocated for disability-sensitive emergency response mechanisms, digital inclusion policies, and expanded educational opportunities for persons with disabilities. He stated that the disability community is not asking for pity but demanding participation, justice, and equal opportunity. Okogwu urged governments at all levels, political parties, the private sector, and civil society organizations to collaborate to build a more inclusive society. He concluded that Nigeria’s democratic progress would ultimately be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and that the country’s democratic project will remain unfinished until persons with disabilities are fully included in national development.