CBM and EU launch $1.1 million project to advance disability rights in Nigeria

Why now?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 14.9% of Nigerians were living with a disability as of 2018. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted that same year revealed that 7% of household members over the age of five experience difficulties in at least one functional domain—this figure rises to 9% among older adults.

Yet, despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018, millions continue to face exclusion from education, healthcare, employment, and public life. As of 2024, 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including Benue and Delta, have yet to implement the Act. Key barriers include a lack of funding, poor awareness, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms.

Despite Nigeria’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010, enforcement remains weak. Discrimination, a lack of services, and economic exclusion persist—particularly at the state and community levels.

In Benue and Delta States specifically, challenges are compounded by deep-rooted stigma, inaccessible environments, high poverty rates, and limited legal protections for persons with disabilities. Women and youth with disabilities face even greater risks of marginalisation.

What will the project do?
Co-implemented with TAF Africa and Nigeria Women Trust Fund, the project will support:

• Domestication and enforcement of the Disability Act in Benue and Delta States
• Capacity building for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
• Civil society advocacy and government engagement
• Economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, digital training, and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs)
• Awareness campaigns and inclusive media training

The D-RAPID initiative is part of the EU’s Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme, which promotes and protects human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law worldwide. It aligns with the EU Human Rights and Democracy Country Strategy for Nigeria, adopted in 2021 while contributing to the UN’s Leave No One Behind agenda.

How will it work?
A three-tiered approach focuses on enhancing national and state-level institutions to ensure disability inclusion, accelerating the implementation of disability laws in targeted regions, and promoting economic empowerment through technology and entrepreneurship skills.

This intervention will be implemented at the national, state, and community levels.

1. Strengthened Capacity of NCPWD: The project will enhance the capacity of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to effectively implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
2. Adaptation and Domestication of the Act: D-RAPID will facilitate and support the adaptation and domestication of the Act in Benue and Delta States, ensuring that local contexts and needs are addressed.
3. Improved Livelihood Opportunities: The project will provide economic empowerment and technological/entrepreneurship skills development to improve livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Our action also supports establishing a national database of persons with disabilities, which is essential for national development planning.

Impact in numbers

More than 1.7 million people in target LGAs, including over 260,000 persons with disabilities and 55% women, stand to benefit from more inclusive laws, services, and opportunities.

• 3,000 persons with disabilities will be registered on the NCPWD portal to enhance the disability database for informed planning and decision-making.
• 300 government officials from federal, state, and local ministries, departments, and agencies will be involved.
• 20 CSOs and OPDs  20 personnel from the NCPWD will be trained on the 2024 Accessibility Standards and Universal Design to enhance their understanding of disability law enforcement in both public and private sectors.
• 36 Village Savings and Loan Associations will be formed to promote savings culture and to serve as a catalyst for expansion or diversification of their income sources
• 100 people provided with assistive devices

Synergy and sustainability
The project build on CBM’s existing EU-funded climate resilience and transitional aid projects in Benue and Delta States. It will use existing local structures—like ward peace initiatives and disaster risk committees—and scale-proven tools like Village Economic and Social Associations (VESAs) to foster cohesion and inclusive development. Climate-smart agriculture techniques (dry season farming and groundwater harvesting) will also be promoted to strengthen community resilience.