The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) have urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to fully implement the state’s Disability Law before the end of his tenure.
The groups made the call on Wednesday at a joint press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall, Iwe Iroyin House, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Disability Law was signed by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun on December 27, 2017, but disability advocates say it has yet to be fully operationalized.
SCIAN National President Abdulwahab Matepo and Ogun JONAPWD Chairman Ayo Awobona said the delay had prevented the law from translating into effective institutions, enforceable protections, and accessible public systems.
They said the disability community had engaged government officials through meetings, consultations, letters, and advocacy since 2025, including a June 2026 meeting with the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade.
The groups urged the government not to allow proposed amendments to the law to further delay its implementation, saying the existing framework could be operationalized while necessary amendments are pursued through the legislative process.
According to the organizations, the lack of implementation affects access to education, healthcare, transportation, employment, economic opportunities, and political participation for persons with disabilities.
They also called for accessible public institutions and effective mechanisms to monitor and enforce disability rights.
JONAPWD’s 2025 estimate puts the number of persons with disabilities in Ogun at about 1.03 million. The organization notes that the figure is an estimate based on a disability benchmark applied to population projections, rather than a direct census count.
Matepo said the groups remained willing to work with the government but stressed that years of dialogue should now result in concrete action.
“We are presenting ourselves as partners seeking accountability and implementation,” he said, urging Abiodun to provide the political direction needed to conclude the implementation process before leaving office.
Leave feedback about this