Introduction

People living with disabilities (PWDs) are those who have impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions that affect their daily functioning and interaction with their environment¹. Disabilities can be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or psychosocial, and can be acquired at birth, through illness, injury, or aging. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than one billion PWDs globally, representing about 15% of the world’s population.

In Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveal that an estimated 7% of household members above the age of five (as well as 9% of those 60 or older) have some level of difficulty in at least one functional domain, seeing, hearing, communication, cognition, walking, or self-care; and 1% either have a lot of difficulty or cannot function at all in at least one domain. The 2006 Nigerian census reported 3,253,169 people with disabilities, or 2.32% of the total population of 140,431,790 in that year. However, these figures may be underestimated, as many PWDs are not registered or counted due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of awareness.

The situation of PWDs in Nigeria is especially dire in the north eastern region, where conflict and insecurity have increased the number and vulnerability of PWDs. The north eastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have been plagued by persistent violence and humanitarian crises caused by the insurgency of the militant group Boko Haram and its splinter factions since 2009. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths, 2.5 million internally displaced persons, and 10.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Among the affected population, PWDs face multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and exclusion that limit their access to basic services, protection, livelihoods, and participation.

The main objective of this post is to discuss the challenges and opportunities for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria, especially in terms of economic participation and empowerment. Economic participation refers to the ability of PWDs to engage in productive activities that generate income and contribute to the development of their communities and country. Economic empowerment refers to the process of enhancing the capabilities, choices, and rights of PWDs to access and benefit from economic opportunities and resources. Both economic participation and empowerment are essential for improving the quality of life, dignity, and inclusion of PWDs in society.

This post will first describe the main challenges faced by PWDs in north eastern Nigeria, such as conflict and insecurity, stigma and discrimination, poverty and unemployment, and lack of disability rights and policies. Then, it will describe the main opportunities for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria, such as disability inclusion and advocacy, social media and digital skills, politics and civic engagement, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Finally, it will provide some recommendations and suggestions for PWDs, government, civil society, and other stakeholders to improve the situation and prospects of PWDs in north eastern Nigeria.

Challenges

Conflict and insecurity

One of the major challenges faced by PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the conflict and insecurity caused by the insurgency of the militant group Boko Haram and its splinter factions. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths, 2.5 million internally displaced persons, and 10.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Among the affected population, PWDs face multiple and intersecting forms of vulnerability and risk, such as violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. The conflict has also increased the number of PWDs, as many people have suffered injuries, trauma, and disabilities due to the attacks, bombings, and landmines. Moreover, the conflict has disrupted the delivery of basic services, such as health, education, and social protection, that are essential for the well-being and inclusion of PWDs.

Stigma and discrimination

Another challenge faced by PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the stigma and discrimination that they encounter from society, family, and institutions. PWDs are often excluded, neglected, and marginalized by their communities, who may hold negative attitudes, beliefs, and misconceptions about the causes and nature of disabilities. Some people may associate disabilities with sin, curse, or witchcraft, and treat PWDs as objects of pity, charity, or ridicule. PWDs may also face discrimination and barriers in accessing housing, education, employment, and public transportation, as they are often denied opportunities, choices, and rights that are available to others. Furthermore, PWDs may experience rejection, isolation, and abuse within their families, who may view them as a burden or a source of shame.

Poverty and unemployment

A third challenge faced by PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the poverty and unemployment that limit their economic participation and empowerment. PWDs have lower levels of education, health, and income than their non-disabled peers, as they face multiple obstacles in accessing and benefiting from these resources. PWDs also have fewer and less diverse livelihood options, as they face difficulties in finding decent and sustainable work that matches their skills, abilities, and preferences. PWDs are often confined to low-paying, informal, and precarious jobs, such as street begging, that expose them to exploitation, harassment, and insecurity. As a result, PWDs are more likely to experience extreme poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion than those without disabilities.

Lack of disability rights and policies

A fourth challenge faced by PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the lack of disability rights and policies that protect and promote their interests and needs. Despite the ratification of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 by the federal government, and the enactment of disability laws by nine states in the federation, the implementation and enforcement of these legal frameworks remain weak and inconsistent. PWDs are often unaware of their rights and entitlements, or face difficulties in accessing and claiming them due to bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and lack of accountability. PWDs are also underrepresented and excluded from decision-making and governance structures, both at the state and community levels, that affect their lives and livelihoods. Therefore, PWDs have limited voice and influence in shaping the policies and programs that address their challenges and opportunities.

Opportunities

Disability inclusion and advocacy

One of the main opportunities for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the disability inclusion and advocacy that can empower them to raise awareness, demand accountability, and influence decision-making on issues that affect them. Disability inclusion refers to the process of ensuring that PWDs are fully and equally involved in all aspects of social, economic, and political life, and that their rights, dignity, and diversity are respected and valued. Disability advocacy refers to the actions and strategies that PWDs and their allies use to promote and protect their interests and needs, and to challenge and change the barriers and inequalities that they face. Disability inclusion and advocacy can be achieved through various means, such as:

• Forming and strengthening disability associations and networks that can provide mutual support, solidarity, and representation for PWDs
• Engaging and collaborating with government, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that PWDs are consulted and involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs that affect them
• Educating and sensitizing the public and the media about the causes, types, and effects of disabilities, and the rights and potentials of PWDs
• Monitoring and reporting the violations and abuses of the rights and dignity of PWDs, and seeking redress and justice for the victims
• Mobilizing and campaigning for the enactment, implementation, and enforcement of disability laws and policies at the federal, state, and local levels

Social media and digital skills

Another opportunity for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the social media and digital skills that can enable them to access information, communicate, network, and learn new skills that can enhance their personal and professional development. Social media refers to the online platforms and applications that allow users to create and share content, and to interact with others across different locations and contexts. Digital skills refer to the knowledge and abilities that enable users to effectively use digital devices, tools, and resources for various purposes. Social media and digital skills can be beneficial for PWDs in various ways, such as:

• Providing PWDs with alternative and accessible modes of communication and expression, such as text, audio, video, and graphics, that can suit their preferences and needs
• Connecting PWDs with other PWDs, as well as with friends, family, mentors, and role models, who can offer them support, guidance, and inspiration
• Exposing PWDs to diverse and relevant sources of information and knowledge, such as news, education, health, and entertainment, that can broaden their horizons and perspectives
• Enabling PWDs to participate in online communities and forums, where they can exchange ideas, opinions, and experiences, and learn from others
• Equipping PWDs with marketable and transferable skills, such as data analysis, web design, and digital marketing, that can increase their employability and income opportunities

Politics and civic engagement

A third opportunity for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the politics and civic engagement that can allow them to participate in electoral processes, governance structures, and social movements that can shape the future of their communities and country. Politics refers to the activities and institutions that are involved in making decisions and exercising power and authority in a society. Civic engagement refers to the actions and initiatives that citizens take to contribute to the public good and to influence the outcomes of public affairs. Politics and civic engagement can be meaningful for PWDs in various ways, such as:

• Empowering PWDs to exercise their right to vote and to be voted for, and to have equal access to the electoral materials, venues, and information
• Encouraging PWDs to run for political offices and positions, and to represent and advance the interests and needs of PWDs and other marginalized groups
• Involving PWDs in the formulation, implementation, and oversight of public policies and programs, and ensuring that they are responsive and accountable to the PWDs and their priorities
• Supporting PWDs to join and form civil society organizations and coalitions, and to advocate and lobby for the causes and issues that matter to them
• Inspiring PWDs to engage in social activism and mobilization, and to challenge and change the status quo and the structures that oppress and exclude them

Entrepreneurship and innovation

A fourth opportunity for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria is the entrepreneurship and innovation that can enable them to leverage their talents, creativity, and resilience to create and sustain businesses that can generate income and social impact. Entrepreneurship refers to the process of identifying, developing, and exploiting opportunities to create value and solve problems through the creation or improvement of products, services, or processes. Innovation refers to the process of introducing new or improved ways of doing things that can meet the needs and expectations of customers or beneficiaries. Entrepreneurship and innovation can be rewarding for PWDs in various ways, such as:

• Providing PWDs with alternative and flexible modes of income generation and livelihood, that can suit their abilities and circumstances
• Enabling PWDs to utilize and showcase their skills, passions, and potentials, and to gain recognition, respect, and satisfaction
• Creating PWDs with opportunities to access and benefit from the resources and networks that can support their entrepreneurial and innovative endeavors, such as capital, training, mentorship, and partnerships
• Allowing PWDs to contribute to the development and well-being of their communities and society, by creating value and solving problems that affect them and others
• Encouraging PWDs to explore and experiment with new or improved ideas, products, services, or processes, that can address the gaps and challenges that they face as PWDs

Example of Successful PWD

Here are some examples of successful PWD entrepreneurs in Nigeria:

• Toussaint Farini is a PWD entrepreneur who founded Salama Africa, a social enterprise that trains and empowers PWDs and other vulnerable groups in skills such as tailoring, shoe making, and soap making. He also produces and sells products made by PWDs, such as bags, shoes, and accessories. He is a recipient of the 2023 Leveraging Innovations in New Communities (LINC) Grants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
• Racheal Inegbedion is a PWD entrepreneur who founded Special Needs Initiative for Growth, a non-governmental organization that provides education, vocational training, and advocacy for PWDs and their families. She also runs a school for children with special needs, and a bakery that employs PWDs. She is also a recipient of the 2023 LINC Grants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
• Cosmas Okoli is a PWD entrepreneur who founded Cosmo Base Investment Limited, a company that deals in real estate, oil and gas, and general contracts. He also founded New Life for the Disabled, a foundation that supports PWDs with scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment. He lost his leg in a car accident, but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his dreams.
• Cobhams Asuquo is a PWD entrepreneur who is a renowned musician, producer, and songwriter. He is the CEO of CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions), a music label that has produced and worked with many famous artists, such as Asa, Bez, and Banky W. He is also a motivational speaker and a disability rights activist. He was born blind, but he did not let that hinder his passion and talent for music.

These are just some of the examples of successful PWD entrepreneurs in Nigeria. They have shown that disability is not an inability, and that PWDs can achieve great things with determination, creativity, and resilience. They have also contributed to the development and well-being of their communities and society, by creating value and solving problems that affect them and others. They are an inspiration and a role model for other PWDs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Conclusion

In this post, we have discussed the challenges and opportunities for people living with disabilities (PWDs) in north eastern Nigeria, especially in terms of economic participation and empowerment. We have seen that PWDs face many difficulties and barriers, such as conflict and insecurity, stigma and discrimination, poverty and unemployment, and lack of disability rights and policies, that limit their access to basic services, protection, livelihoods, and participation. However, we have also seen that PWDs have many potentials and possibilities, such as disability inclusion and advocacy, social media and digital skills, politics and civic engagement, and entrepreneurship and innovation, that enable them to access information, communicate, network, learn, influence, create, and contribute to the development and well-being of their communities and society.

We have also provided some examples of successful PWD entrepreneurs in Nigeria, who have overcome their challenges and leveraged their opportunities to achieve great things and inspire others. They have shown that disability is not an inability, and that PWDs can be agents of change and innovation. However, they also need the support and collaboration of the government, civil society, and other stakeholders, to ensure that their rights, dignity, and diversity are respected and valued, and that their challenges and opportunities are addressed and enhanced.

Therefore, we recommend and suggest the following actions and initiatives for PWDs, government, civil society, and other stakeholders, to improve the situation and prospects of PWDs in north eastern Nigeria:

• PWDs should form and strengthen their associations and networks, and engage and collaborate with other actors, to raise awareness, demand accountability, and influence decision-making on issues that affect them
• PWDs should use technology to access information, communicate, network, and learn new skills that can enhance their personal and professional development
• PWDs should participate in electoral processes, governance structures, and social movements that can shape the future of their communities and country
• PWDs should leverage their talents, creativity, and resilience to create and sustain businesses that can generate income and social impact
• The government should enact, implement, and enforce disability laws and policies at the federal, state, and local levels, and ensure that PWDs are consulted and involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs that affect them
• The government should provide PWDs with adequate and accessible basic services, such as health, education, and social protection, and ensure that they are protected from violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises
• The government should create and support an enabling environment for PWDs to access and benefit from economic opportunities and resources, such as capital, training, mentorship, and partnerships
• Civil society should educate and sensitize the public and the media about the causes, types, and effects of disabilities, and the rights and potentials of PWDs
• Civil society should monitor and report the violations and abuses of the rights and dignity of PWDs, and seek redress and justice for the victims
• Civil society should support and empower PWDs and their families with skills, knowledge, and resources that can improve their quality of life, dignity, and inclusion

We hope that this post has shed some light on the challenges and opportunities for PWDs in north eastern Nigeria, and has inspired and motivated you to take action and make a difference. PWDs are not a problem, but a solution. PWDs are not a burden, but a blessing. PWDs are not a liability, but an asset. PWDs are not a minority, but a majority. PWDs are not a charity, but a right. PWDs are not a curse, but a gift. PWDs are not a challenge, but an opportunity. PWDs are not a weakness, but a strength. PWDs are not a disability, but an ability.