The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has called for the full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, to guarantee the safety, protection, and well-being of persons with disabilities across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while presenting a paper titled “Inclusive Protection in Nigeria: Why We Must Act Now” at the 2025 National Convention of Sign Language, organised by the Abuja Association of the Deaf, Odumosu stressed that protection is a fundamental right for all citizens regardless of ability.
He lamented that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple barriers to justice, safety, and inclusion despite Nigeria’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the passage of the 2018 Act.
“The law exists, but it is very concerning that many public buildings, offices, and utilities are still not accessible to persons with disabilities. The urgent task before us is to move from policy to practice so that no Nigerian is left behind in matters of safety and security,” he said.
Odumosu identified weak implementation, cultural stigma, lack of funding, limited awareness among security personnel, and communication barriers as obstacles that continue to expose vulnerable groups to risks.
He revealed that the NSCDC FCT Command has trained 250 officers in sign language to improve communication with the deaf and hard-of-hearing, alongside creating disability desk officers and strengthening community engagement to build an inclusive security framework.
“As an agency mandated to protect critical assets, prevent crimes, and safeguard communities, NSCDC is committed to promoting inclusive protection. Inclusive protection is not a favour but a right. Every day of delay exposes vulnerable groups to preventable risks. The time to act is now,” he declared.
The Commandant urged government, civil society, and community leaders to work together to create a society where persons with disabilities are valued, included, and treated equally.
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