By Adenike Lawal
CBM Global Disability Inclusion has launched a two-year project titled Rights in Action to tackle discrimination and human rights violations against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), in Nigeria.
Funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative will be implemented in the Federal Capital Territory and Adamawa State through the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA).
CBM Global Country Director, Abdulazeez Musa, said the project focuses on empowering marginalised subgroups within the disability community, including those with learning disabilities and the deaf, to lead their own advocacy efforts.
“It’s about equipping individuals to organise, lead, and advocate for their rights,” he noted.
IFA Executive Director, Grace Jerry, stressed the need to spotlight the most excluded groups, such as the deafblind, while JONAPWD President, Abdullahi Usman, emphasized unity within the disability movement, warning against internal discrimination.
Representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Human Rights Commission pledged institutional support for the initiative.
Rights in Action aims to strengthen Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), drive policy implementation, and shift societal attitudes toward full inclusion.
