The National Leader of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Chike Okogwu, says Nigeria’s democracy remains incomplete while millions of persons with disabilities continue to face exclusion, discrimination and limited access to basic services.
Okogwu said this in a Democracy Day message issued on Friday in Abuja, calling for the full implementation of disability rights laws and greater inclusion of PWDs in governance and development.
He said that in spite of the country’s democratic gains, many persons with disabilities still faced hunger, unemployment, inaccessible healthcare, poor transportation and inadequate social protection.
According to him, democracy should be measured by how effectively it protects and empowers society’s most vulnerable members.
“If a wheelchair user cannot access a public building, democracy has failed.
“If a blind graduate cannot secure employment because of discrimination, democracy has failed.
“If a deaf woman cannot access healthcare because there is no interpreter, democracy has failed,” he said.
Okogwu expressed concern over the impact of rising food prices and inflation on persons with disabilities, saying many struggled to afford food, transportation, medication and other basic necessities.
He also highlighted the effects of insecurity on PWDs, noting that emergency response systems and internally displaced persons camps often failed to address their specific needs.
The ADC chieftain decried the high unemployment rate among qualified persons with disabilities, attributing it to persistent discrimination and inaccessible workplaces.
He said that although the Disability Act had been enacted, implementation remained 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 said the ADC’s proposed social protection and inclusion agenda prioritised disability grants, accessibility compliance, inclusive healthcare, employment opportunities and accessible transportation systems.
He also advocated disability-sensitive emergency response mechanisms, digital inclusion policies and expanded educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“The disability community is not asking for pity; we are demanding participation.
“We are not seeking charity; we are demanding justice.
“We are not requesting special treatment; we are demanding equal opportunity,” he said.
Okogwu urged governments at all levels, political parties, the private sector and civil society organisations to work together to build a more inclusive society.
He said Nigeria’s democratic progress would ultimately be judged by how it treated its most vulnerable citizens.
According to him, until persons with disabilities are fully included in national development, the country’s democratic project will remain unfinished.
