Public Hearing—CADEF’s Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) continues its commitment to championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. In a recent public hearing organized by the House Committee on Disability Matters, in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) at the National Assembly, the Executive Director of CADEF, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, highlighted the critical need to enact a robust PWD Bill of Rights.

The hearing focused on the state of rehabilitation centers and the implementation of social protection programs for PWDs across Nigeria.

At the hearing, CADEF outlined the pressing challenges facing persons with disabilities, emphasizing that current social protection schemes and rehabilitation services often fall short of addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable group. The executive director called for comprehensive reforms to ensure that government policies not only recognize the rights of persons with disabilities but also translate those rights into actionable support and services.

Key points raised during the hearing included:

• Enhanced Rehabilitation Services: A call for the establishment of more accessible and adequately equipped rehabilitation centers that cater to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.
• Social Protection Programs: The necessity to expand social protection initiatives, ensuring that they are inclusive and sensitive to the barriers faced by people with disabilities.
• Legislative Reforms: Advocating for the swift enactment of a PWD’s Bill of Rights that clearly delineates the entitlements and safeguards necessary for empowering persons with disabilities.

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor highlighted that true inclusion goes beyond policy statements—it requires an ongoing commitment to systemic change that empowers persons with disabilities and enables their full participation in society. 

This hearing, chaired by Hon. Bashir Dauda and attended by several key stakeholders, including the National President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abdullahi Usman, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, along with various non-governmental organizations, marks a pivotal moment in the advocacy for disability rights, paving the way for more inclusive and comprehensive policies that address both current gaps and future challenges.

CADEF remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has access to the services, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.