By: Joshua Weng Chuwang
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has joined the call for legislative recognition of Nigerian Sign Language (NSL).
The Commission made the call alongside the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) in a joint rally that began at the National Human Rights Commission and ended at the National Assembly in Abuja, last week.
The rally was themed: “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights: Advancing Deaf Identity and Inclusion Through Nigerian Sign Language Recognition”.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, noted that denying NSL formal recognition is a violation of fundamental human rights.
“From education to healthcare and governance, sign language is key to full participation. Its lack of recognition is discriminatory and unacceptable,” he said.
He called for policy reforms, stronger legislation, and more funding to improve the administration and sustenance of NSL in schools, healthcare, and government organisations.
The NNAD President, Mr Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, further advocated for a constitutional review, urging lawmakers to protect the rights of persons with disabilities by promoting the inclusion of their language.
“This is not about privilege – it is about rights. Sign language recognition is essential for building an inclusive Nigeria,” he stated.
The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) is a government agency that advocates for the inclusion and accessibility of persons with disabilities in healthcare, education, government, and the private sector, advancing equality and integration.
