… Says Nigeria Leads Africa in Accessible Legal Practice

By Otigbu Victor

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has recorded a major milestone with the adoption of its Disability Inclusion Policy, which institutionalises accessibility, reasonable accommodation, non-discrimination and equal participation within the legal profession.

The policy, championed by the NBA Lawyers with Disabilities Forum, is aimed at strengthening equity and inclusion in Nigeria’s legal ecosystem while improving access for lawyers and law students with disabilities.

It provides for reasonable accommodation, accessible infrastructure and equal opportunities across legal practice, NBA programmes, conferences and professional engagements.

Reacting to the development, the Chairperson of the NBA Lawyers with Disabilities Forum, Ms. Patience Etumudon, described the adoption as a turning point for disability inclusion within the profession.

She said the policy would ensure that accessibility is prioritised in NBA activities, including conferences, adding that the forthcoming NBA conference in Port Harcourt would offer an opportunity to demonstrate practical steps toward implementation.

Etumudon commended the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his support, noting that the policy affirms that lawyers with disabilities are fully recognised within the association.

She explained that the policy is expected to improve access in law schools, universities, law firms, NBA branches and professional facilities.

According to her, the initiative goes beyond the legal profession, as disability inclusion is a universal concern that can affect anyone at any time.

“We are all a step away from disability. A person can walk out of a door, suffer an accident, and experience a temporary or permanent disability. The actions we take today in creating an inclusive society show how we would want to be treated if circumstances change,” she said.

Also speaking, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, described the policy as a welcome development reflecting a shift towards rights-based inclusion for persons with disabilities.

He said lawyers with disabilities should be given equal opportunities and adequate support to perform their duties effectively.

Erebe noted that the Delta State Ministry of Justice has implemented measures to support persons with disabilities, including improved access to justice institutions and enforcement mechanisms under the state’s disability law.

He added that the law prohibits discrimination, mandates accessibility in public and private buildings, and guarantees free and compulsory education for children with disabilities up to secondary school level.

The Solicitor-General said the NBA policy would help bridge institutional gaps by ensuring that accessibility is integrated into NBA events and professional activities.

He also emphasised that disability inclusion should be viewed as a collective responsibility, noting that anyone could become disabled at any point due to illness or accidents.

Both legal practitioners called for wider adoption of disability inclusion policies across professional bodies, government institutions and workplaces, stressing that persons with disabilities should be treated with dignity, equality and respect under the law.

With the policy, the NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and to building a legal profession where merit, dignity and equal opportunity are upheld regardless of physical or sensory limitations.