Nigeria: PWD community urges gov’t to reserve legislative seats

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are calling on the federal and state governments to reserve legislative seats for them, emphasizing that inclusive governance is key to addressing their daily challenges. The demand was made at a town hall organized by News Central TV in Asaba, Delta State, where over 200 participants discussed barriers to inclusion and pathways for reform.

Isaac Odjuwu, President of the Initiative for Social Justice and Inclusive Development, stressed that PWDs must be involved in lawmaking to ensure their needs are addressed. “You cannot make laws that affect us without us,” he said, urging the creation of special seats in the National and State Assemblies.

Participants shared experiences of discrimination and systemic neglect, including limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, and weak enforcement of disability laws. A visually impaired teacher, Sola Idowu, said he has been unable to secure employment since 2014.

The Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, called for stronger implementation of existing laws, while other speakers emphasized the need to remove structural barriers and promote equal participation. News Central’s Managing Director, Kayode Akintemi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.