.seeks stronger protection framework in Nigeria

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Sterling Inclusive Education and Development Initiative, SIEDI, has trained disability rights advocates and called for a coordinated protection system to address abuse, harassment and rights violations against persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

The organisation said the training forms part of a broader push to strengthen resilience among advocates while pressing government and institutions to establish clear reporting pathways that can work even in remote communities.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of SIEDI, Patience Agbamu, said the six-month pilot project focuses on improving both the safety and effectiveness of disability rights advocacy in a shrinking civic space.

She explained that the initiative combines capacity building with policy advocacy, including engagement with ministries, departments and agencies to create a functional referral system for reporting violations.

“This project is designed to promote and strengthen the well-being as well as the rights of persons with disabilities as well as their advocates.

“We’re looking at a situation whereby it can be very simple as having a toll free line whereby Halima in the remote village of Nigeria can just pick up her touch light phone and just make a call through to NCPWD without being charged for it and she will report her case of violation or harassment,” she said.

Agbamu also urged government, civil society and private institutions to collaborate, noting that Nigeria’s population of persons with disabilities, estimated at over 35 million, continues to rise and requires urgent, coordinated support systems.

A participant, Halima Sashi Jingi representing Cedar Seed Foundation, said the training is helping to correct gaps in advocacy knowledge and approach.

She noted that beyond skills, the programme is expected to build confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities, enabling them to engage more effectively and push for inclusive systems that respond to their realities.