Disability rights advocates in Nigeria call for improved inclusion and media reform

Disability rights advocates and government agencies in Nigeria are calling for improved protections and more respectful representation for persons with disabilities.

In Lagos, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) held a stakeholders’ forum to urge service providers to enhance safeguarding measures. General Manager Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal emphasized that inclusion requires creating safe, accessible, and dignified environments for living and learning. She specifically highlighted the need to protect the privacy of children with disabilities, advising providers to exercise caution when sharing their images or personal information on social media.

In Osun State, the Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR) challenged the Nigerian media to move away from ‘pity’ reporting and derogatory language. Executive Director Eni Ayeni urged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public and combat stigma. While Osun State enacted a Disability Law in 2024, CAI4SR noted that legislation alone has not resolved the challenges faced by the community, calling for more effective government implementation.