The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD Lagos State Chapter, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, IGD, with a strong call for deeper institutional reforms to strengthen disability inclusion across Nigeria.
The Chairman of JONAPWD, Abolarinwa Salami, made the appeal in a statement issued to mark the annual celebration themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
According to Salami, the theme reinforces a critical global message; that no society can truly advance while leaving persons with disabilities behind.
He noted that PWDs in Lagos and across the country have continued to demonstrate resilience, courage, and innovation despite persistent structural barriers and social stigma.
Commends Lagos government, LASODA for progress
Salami commended the Lagos State Government for what he described as “intentional and consistent efforts” to mainstream disability issues within public policy and governance.
He highlighted Lagos as one of the few states with a comprehensive disability law and a dedicated institutional structure for disability matters. “These are commendable strides that signal political will,” he said.
The JONAPWD Lagos Chairman also applauded the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, for expanding its range of social intervention programmes, including financial support for PWDs, NGOs and OPDs, as well as empowerment and community participation initiatives.
He acknowledged that these efforts have offered significant relief to many within the disability community.
Calls for stronger institutions beyond welfare support
However, Salami stressed that the time had come for disability agencies to evolve beyond what he termed the “limited perception of glorified NGOs” whose operations largely revolve around cash disbursements and distribution of assistive devices.
According to him, while such interventions are helpful, they must not overshadow the core mandate of disability laws, which is to secure rights, ensure dignity, and guarantee full inclusion for persons with disabilities.
He urged LASODA and similar agencies across Nigeria to strengthen their regulatory roles and expand their reach by ensuring accountability across ministries, departments, and government agencies.
Key areas requiring urgent attention
Access to quality and impactful education
Inclusive and affordable healthcare
Robust social protection systems
Equal economic opportunities and decent work
Accessibility in infrastructure and public transportation
Digital inclusion and technological protection
Full enforcement of disability laws
He insisted that only through this level of structural and institutional transformation can Nigeria build a truly disability-inclusive society.
Reaffirms JONAPWD’s commitment
Salami reaffirmed JONAPWD Lagos State Chapter’s commitment to continue partnering with government, disability agencies, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to advance disability rights and inclusion.
“A society that is inclusive is not only fair, it is more innovative, more prosperous, and more sustainable,” he said.
As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Salami urged Nigerians to recommit to building a society where disability inclusion is not charity-driven but grounded in rights, governance, and justice.
He concluded with a vision of a Lagos and a Nigeria “where inclusion is not a slogan, but an achieved reality.
