The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) unveiled a pioneering database focusing on persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria on Wednesday. This initiative underscores the critical need for evidence-based policymaking to improve the lives of PWDs in the country.
For many years, the disability sector in Nigeria has experienced challenges due to the lack of accurate demographic information, which has impeded effective advocacy and systemic planning.
During the launch, Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, hailed the report as a major step forward in promoting inclusive development and informed decision-making for PWDs in Nigeria.
He pointed out that policymakers traditionally relied on rough population estimates ranging between 25 million and 40 million, often based on incomplete data. The new database estimates that approximately 35 million PWDs reside in Nigeria as of 2025, with Kano State having the highest concentration at nearly 2.5 million, followed closely by Lagos State at 2.1 million.
Moreover, the report categorizes PWDs by their specific disabilities, gender, and state, providing unprecedented clarity in understanding this demographic. The data reveals that individuals with physical disabilities represent the largest group, totaling about 8.2 million, while those in the Deaf community number around 7.7 million. The male population of PWDs is estimated at 17.6 million, whereas female PWDs account for approximately 17.2 million.
Isa emphasized the importance of such extensive data, suggesting it would empower governmental bodies, civil society, and researchers to implement targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of various disability groups.
“This level of detail is transformative. For the first time, we have a structured database that stakeholders can use to announce and plan focused interventions,” he noted.
Abdullahi Usman, the National President of JONAPWD, explained that the report, named "Assumptive Demographic Data on Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria," aims to address longstanding deficiencies in planning and policy frameworks.
He mentioned that globally, persons with disabilities are estimated to form about 15% of any national population. Applying this standard to Nigeria's projected population by the National Population Commission for 2025 illustrates a growing community of PWDs across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
While praising the report, Usman recognized its limitations, particularly concerning data on children and youth with disabilities, attributing this to weak identification systems and inadequate administrative structures sensitive to disability.
Gender dynamics were also emphasized, highlighting how women with disabilities face multiple layers of marginalization, including limited access to education and heightened risks of violence.
He stated, “Addressing disability must go hand in hand with addressing gender. Both issues need to be considered in all planning and policy frameworks.”
Adeyi Daniel, the secretary of the National Population Commission (NPC), acknowledged JONAPWD's effort and pointed out that Nigeria hasn't carried out a detailed national census since 2006.
“This publication provides credible data that will significantly aid governance, policy development, and planning for PWDs,” Daniel remarked, committing to the NPC's continued support of such initiatives.
In conclusion, Mr. Isa reaffirmed the federal government's dedication under the Renewed Hope Agenda to foster actions that generate reliable evidence for inclusive development.
JONAPWD anticipates that this publication will become an essential asset for policymakers, advocates, and researchers, enabling evidence-based approaches that ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria.
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