INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES IMPEDING THE PROTECTION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

Approximately 25 million Nigerians are disabled. Notwithstanding Nigeria’s apparent commitment towards the elimination of disability discrimination, as evidenced by its ratification of key instruments, and establishment of relevant institutions, disabled Nigerians continue to live in relative poverty, are often impeded in their access to public services and employment opportunities, remain largely ostracized within their communities and are more susceptible to being victims of crime. This paper examines the various institutions relevant »to the protection of disabled persons . in Nigeria, and assesses their activities and impact on the lives of the disabled, and society at large. The paper advocates the need for proper funding of the institutions by government, and an attitudinal change by society towards disability. It also advocates the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities into national planning, and all other socio-economic and development programmes.