Photo File: DSFN

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently implement the already enacted disability laws nationwide to ensure the protection, quality healthcare, inclusion, and well-being of persons with intellectual disabilities.

The demand was made on Saturday in a statement made available to newsmen as the foundation commemorates the 24th edition of its annual October event, themed “Health Care for All”.

The event, featuring an awareness, advocacy, and charity walk ending at Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, was co-sponsored by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and The 7 Fifteen Philanthropic Foundation.

The Foundation, in the statement, emphasised that its continued advocacy arises from the widening gap in societal inclusion, especially for people with intellectual disabilities who are unable to advocate for themselves.

“When we talk about disability, there are disabilities, and there are disabilities. Some individuals can speak up for their rights, while others cannot, and it is for them that we raise our voices,” the statement read.

The DSFN expressed concern that people with intellectual disabilities remain largely neglected and underserved in the nation’s healthcare system, resulting in preventable health challenges and shortened lifespans.

The Foundation urged the government to build sustainable and inclusive healthcare structures to address these issues. It noted that this year’s theme, “Health Care for All,” reflects its commitment to ensuring that persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are recognised and prioritised in Nigeria’s health policies.

Highlighting its ongoing initiatives, the Foundation stated that “we are providing inclusive education, healthcare, and vocational training through our Lagos centre, where participants learn barbing, hairdressing, baking, arts, and leatherwork under the certification of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board.”

“These programmes, including a planned fish farming project, are designed to promote independence and self-reliance among individuals with Down syndrome. In this regard, we want to ask why our federal government cannot enforce existing disability laws to guarantee integration, dignity, and equal opportunities,” DSFN queried.

The Foundation expressed optimism that if the Tinubu-led administration fully implements disability-inclusive policies and enforces the laws already in place, Nigeria will take a significant step toward genuine equality.

“For us at Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, this will not only signify progress but also mark a positive shift toward an inclusive nation where everyone and anyone, regardless of ability, has access to quality healthcare, education, and a life of dignity,” the statement concluded.

The awareness, advocacy, and charity walk attracted collaborative activism from various groups such as Pacelli, Punuka Foundation, OCD Foundation, Lady Atinuke, Association of the Physically challenged, Lion Ability Foundation, Modupe Cole, Victoria Foundation, and others.

Similarly, on August 8, 2025, a report had revealed that 17 out of 36 states in Nigeria are yet to adopt the Disability Act as law.

The report was conducted by Agora Policy, a Nigerian think tank and non-profit organisation committed to developing practical solutions to urgent national challenges. The organisation engages in policy research, facilitates frank and purposeful dialogue, and builds capacity for governance, policy, and advocacy.

The findings come amid calls from stakeholders urging the government to address disability data gaps and tackle discrimination against People With Disabilities.

According to the report obtained by our correspondent, the Federal Government is urged to act on these issues, as it noted:

“The Disability Act has only been adopted in 19 out of the 36 states in Nigeria and, therefore, has the force of law in only those 19 states.”