By Fatima Saka
Abuja – The Federal Ministry of Health has reaffirmed 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 Wednesday to mark the 2nd World Day for Assistive Technology, under the theme “Unlock the Everyday: Empowering Lives, Enhancing Inclusion.”
The event brought together key government representatives, country directors, disability advocates, civil society actors, and technical partners in a unified call to action.
In her opening address, Dr. Okolo Oteri Eme, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme, 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.”
Dr. Eme outlined a wide range of AT solutions from spectacles, hearing aids, prosthetics, and wheelchairs to screen readers, Braille displays, and accessible mobile apps. She noted 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 in a side interview, Dr. Okolo Eme elaborated on policy efforts currently underway. She revealed that the Ministry, 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,” Dr. Eme said. “We are creating space through policies, guidelines, and targeted outreach. The Renewed Hope Agenda places people at the center, and we are working to ensure every Nigerian who needs assistive technology has a pathway to access it.”
The National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme 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.
A key emphasis throughout the meeting was the inclusion of persons with disabilities in policy dialogue. Dr. Eme highlighted the collaborative nature of the meeting, which drew inputs from across 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. She emphasized 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 highlighted 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. These will guide future policy, infrastructure investments, and public health interventions aimed at scaling AT access nationwide.
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With increased momentum from the Federal Ministry of Health 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 added, “we can build an inclusive Nigeria where every citizen has the tools to live, learn, work, and thrive.”
