The National Leader of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, has called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
He also called on the Ministry of Justice to take immediate action against perpetrators of such acts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Bankole emphasized the need for accessible public buildings, transport systems, schools, and workplaces, and called for mandatory accessibility audits.
“Today, the 3rd of December 2025, the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). As the National Leader of Persons With Disabilities in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is my honour and privilege to address our nation on this significant occasion.
“Since the United Nations proclaimed 3rd December as IDPD in 1992, this day has served as a global reminder of the moral, social, and developmental imperative to build societies where every individual, irrespective of physical or sensory condition, enjoys dignity, equal opportunity, and full participation,” Bankole said
He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its efforts in promoting disability inclusion, including expanded social protection programmes and accessible education initiatives.
Bankole also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her work in championing the rights of women and children with disabilities.
The APC leader urged the government to develop a comprehensive National Disability Inclusion Strategy and establish dedicated entrepreneurship funds and vocational training centres for persons with disabilities.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” is both a clarion call and a roadmap for Nigeria and the world.
“This theme echoes the Doha Political Declaration and urges all nations to remove discriminatory barriers, guarantee equal opportunities, and embed disability inclusion in every sphere of public life. For Nigeria, a proud member of the United Nations, today offers us a moment of sober reflection on our journey and a renewed determination to accelerate progress.
“Persons with disabilities have repeatedly proven that disability is not inability. From Professor Stephen Hawking, whose brilliance reshaped our understanding of the universe despite severe physical limitations, to Haben Girma, the first deafblind Harvard Law graduate who redefined accessibility advocacy, and closer home, South Africa’s Natalie du Toit, the amputee Olympian who competed against able-bodied athletes, these icons demonstrate that when society adapts, extraordinary possibilities emerge.
“Yet, in Nigeria, significant barriers persist. Many persons with disabilities still face restricted access to quality education, decent employment, healthcare, political representation, and accessible transportation. Despite the landmark Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, full implementation remains uneven.
“Public buildings lack ramps and functional lifts, public transportation is largely inaccessible, and attitudinal barriers continue to stigmatise and exclude,” he stated.
He emphasized that inclusion is a fundamental human right and essential for national progress and prosperity.