Abuja: Glory Ukwenga, Executive Director of the Nigeria House of Commons TV show, has called for increased support for the inclusion of youths and physically challenged persons in governance. Ukwenga made this appeal during a virtual media chat organized by Africana League, the creators of the political reality TV show.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the event was ‘Substantiating the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Act 2018’. Ukwenga emphasized that the show aims to encourage Nigerian youths to engage in national development by debating policy issues and acquiring leadership skills. She noted, “The programme creates a stage where young leaders from across the federation debate motions and challenge themselves, while also inspiring other youths.”
Ukwenga highlighted the necessity for a political culture that is based on ideas and accountability rather than patronage. She pointed out the low representation of young people in the legislature, with only 14 out of 360 members of the House of Representatives being categorized as youth. “Representation should also extend to young women and physically challenged persons; diversity should not only be acknowledged but normalized in governance,” she added.
The show is designed to help young Nigerians see themselves as capable leaders and understand legislative procedures. Ukwenga stated that many young people view governance as a domain for older politicians, although history shows that many current leaders entered politics at a young age. The programme employs simulated political parties to foster debates based on ideology and vision, rather than material interests, and incorporates fact-checking mechanisms to ensure accountability and accuracy.
Mary Victor-Magaji, representing Kebbi State at the Nigeria House of Commons, also participated in the event. She criticized the lack of adequate enforcement of the Disability Act, which has hindered its effectiveness. “Inadequate enforcement has weakened the impact of the law. Penalties for defaulters are needed to make it effective,” she said.
Victor-Magaji highlighted that despite a five-year window for institutions to comply, many public buildings and offices have yet to meet accessibility standards. She noted that the provision requiring five percent of jobs in public institutions to be reserved for physically challenged persons is often not met. “Even when such positions are available, many beneficiaries are not genuinely engaged due to weak institutional frameworks,” she explained.
She expressed concern over the ineffectiveness of a law that cannot be enforced, emphasizing that disability should be recognized as a matter of human rights and equal opportunity, rather than charity. Victor-Magaji also pointed out the absence of reliable data on the number of physically challenged persons in Nigeria, with estimates ranging from 27 million to 31 million, which undermines planning and policymaking.
Excluding physically challenged persons from the economy has wider implications, she warned, citing international reports that highlight significant global economic losses from lack of inclusion. “Effective implementation of the Act will not only improve the lives of physically challenged Nigerians but also strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness,” Victor-Magaji concluded.