FG, Stakeholders Meet to Expand Assistive Technology Access for 30m PWDs
The Federal Ministry of Health has restated its commitment to making assistive technology (AT) accessible, safe, and affordable for over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
This bold declaration came during a high-level stakeholders meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 2nd World Day for Assistive Technology, themed: “Unlock the Everyday: Empowering Lives, Enhancing Inclusion.”
In her opening address, Dr. Okolo Oteri Eme, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme in the Public Health Department of the Ministry, described assistive technology as “a human right and a condition for equal opportunity and participation.”
“Access to assistive technology can be a game-changer in Nigeria,” Dr. Eme emphasized. “It is a tool for unlocking independence, mobility, communication, education, and productivity for persons with disabilities, the ageing population, and those with chronic health conditions.”
She outlined a wide range of AT solutions from spectacles, hearing aids, prosthetics, and wheelchairs to screen readers, Braille displays, and accessible mobile apps, noting that the increasing demand for AT, spurred by longer life expectancy and the growing population of people with functional limitations, makes investment in this sector a national imperative.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the National Coordinator elaborated on policy efforts currently underway and disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare through the Renewed Hope Outreach Connect Initiative, is preparing to roll out assistive technology devices—including spectacles and hearing aids to vulnerable populations nationwide.
“This isn’t just about awareness. We are creating space through policies, guidelines, and targeted outreach. The Renewed Hope Agenda places people at the centre, and we are working to ensure every Nigerian who needs assistive technology has a pathway to access it.” Dr. Eme said
The National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme, which previously focused solely on eye health, has now expanded its mandate to include hearing and sensory functions, reflecting a more holistic approach to disability inclusion in healthcare.
At the meeting which brought together key government representatives, country directors, disability advocates, civil society actors, and technical partners in a unified call to action, underscoring the importance of including persons with disabilities in policy discussions, Dr. Eme emphasized the collaborative approach that brought together diverse stakeholders from various sectors.
“There are 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities,” she said. “No single entity can shoulder this alone. That’s why we’re bringing in development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and affected communities themselves. We’re taking it one step at a time one bite at a time, but with collective effort, we will scale.”
Also, Dr. Amina Hassam Wali, Chief Medical Director of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna and Vice Chair of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme, provided a field-level perspective, highlighting the importance of mainstreaming AT into healthcare and society.
“Today is very significant,” Dr. Wali said. “In ophthalmology, something as basic as glasses is assistive technology, and it changes lives. But these devices are expensive and not easily available. We need strong advocacy and more funding so that every Nigerian who needs these tools can get them.”
She stressed the importance of awareness and public education, stating that many people with visual and mobility impairments go without aid, even though relatively simple technologies like glasses or wheelchairs could dramatically improve their lives.
The meeting resolved to consolidate all stakeholder recommendations into concrete action points, noting that these will guide future policy, infrastructure investments, and public health interventions aimed at scaling AT access nationwide.
With increased momentum from the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the growing coalition of stakeholders, Nigeria is positioning itself to make significant strides in disability inclusion, guided by the belief that no policy or program should be designed “without us”—a principle strongly voiced by the disability community.
“Together,” Dr. Eme concluded, “we can build an inclusive Nigeria where every citizen has the tools to live, learn, work, and thrive.”
