Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: A Pre-Requisite for National Sustainable Development

Abstract

Globally, several efforts have been made to promote the rights and inclusion of vulnerable members of society, however, persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria are constantly faced with several barriers to their full participation in social, economic, political, and environmental circles. These challenges which have been discovered to be a result of societal prejudice/misconceptions, limited resources, inability to access necessary facilities/resources, educational discrimination/limitations, employment discrimination, and policy gaps can present significant obstacles to their abilities to acquire and execute skills that will make them self-sustainable and contribute meaningfully to society, ultimately hindering collective national sustainable development. This study adopts a comprehensive study of relevant literature, observation, and interview at centres for PWDs to address the societal attitudes, discriminatory practices, and specific obstacles faced by PWDs in Nigeria. A comparison of inclusive practices in other developing and developed nations were made to show the progress Nigeria has made and the gaps that need to be filled. The study further explores the negative impacts of exclusion on national sustainability, and the implications of disability inclusion on the promotion of economic, social, political, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Conclusively, this research proposes some recommendations to address the barriers limiting disability inclusion in Nigeria, through the employment of specific strategies such as creating awareness of disability issues, providing accommodations, promoting inclusive policies, and engaging in community-based rehabilitation programs which when implemented will improve the quality of life of PWDs, thus promoting their contribution to national sustainable development.