As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Berlin, disability rights advocates are pushing for stronger commitments that reflect the real challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has emphasized the need for meaningful engagement, ensuring that government commitments align with lived experiences.
Unlike previous summits, where disability groups had little input, this year’s process has been shaped by direct advocacy says The Punch Health Wise.
Aliyu Abdullahi, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD’s) President, described GDS 2025 as a milestone for Nigeria’s disability community.
Abdullahi noted that OPDs have played a key role in drafting commitments, making them more inclusive and impactful.
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The summit, co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance, will take place on April 2-3, 2025. The theme is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
Theophilus Odaudu, Program Officer for West Africa at the Disability Rights Fund, stressed the importance of implementing commitments effectively. He urged stakeholders to prioritize policies that improve economic inclusion and accessibility.
The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has also played a vital role, ensuring that commitments address the needs of marginalized groups. With support from the Disability Rights Fund, the “Voices from the Field” project has helped shape a more inclusive agenda.
Advocates are now calling for awareness campaigns, policy lobbying, and stronger collaborations between OPDs, government agencies, and international partners. “The focus must shift to engagement,” the statement included, stressing the need for sustained implementation and monitoring.
