By Aderonke Ojo
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association Lawyers with Disabilities Forum (NBA-LWDF) to strengthen awareness and enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The partnership was formalized in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Forum’s Governing Council, led by its Chairperson, Patience Etumudon.
During the meeting, Abba Isa praised the Forum’s dedication to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, noting that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to inclusive policies and improved welfare for this group.
He emphasized that meaningful enforcement of the Disability Act requires strong collaboration, particularly with legal practitioners who play a key role in ensuring justice and compliance.
He further explained that the Forum’s goals—such as promoting equal opportunities, mentorship, and addressing systemic challenges—align with the government’s broader development agenda.
Despite progress, he acknowledged ongoing barriers including limited access to justice, discrimination, and socio-economic exclusion.
Abba Isa outlined several areas for joint action, including nationwide awareness campaigns, strategic litigation, capacity-building for legal and law enforcement professionals, and mentorship for young lawyers with disabilities.
Additional efforts will focus on improving accessibility in courts, supporting research on disability issues, encouraging inclusive employment, and tackling stigma through public education.
In her remarks, Etumudon said the visit also served to appreciate Abba Isa’s participation in the Forum’s 2025 national conference in Asaba, noting that his presence enriched discussions. m
She reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to sustained advocacy, while highlighting persistent challenges such as inaccessible workplaces and exclusion in education, healthcare, employment, and public service.
She also stressed the importance of financial support for pursuing legal action against discrimination, revealing that the Forum is currently handling such a case.
According to her, stronger partnerships among stakeholders are essential to building a society where opportunities are based on merit rather than connections.
