Disability Community Mourns Buhari, Celebrates His Legacy of Inclusion
Editor
The Network of Women with Disabilities has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, remembering him as the leader who signed the landmark Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 — a turning point in the fight for equality and dignity for over 27 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
According to the National President of the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), Lois Auta, the community is deeply saddened by the death of the former President, but still remains grateful.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we are also grateful, President Buhari gave us more than a law — he gave us recognition and protection in a country where we had long been invisible,” she said.
Buhari’s presidency, from 2015 to 2023, was characterized by an aggressive anti-corruption drive, national security reforms, and economic restructuring. But for many marginalized Nigerians, especially women and persons with disabilities, his commitment to inclusion marked a profound shift.
“He opened the doors of governance to those who had always been left outside,” Auta added
The 2018 Act, signed under Buhari’s administration after nearly two decades of advocacy, prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities in public life. It mandates accessibility in transportation systems, buildings, and public infrastructure within five years, and requires that at least 5% of employment opportunities in public institutions be reserved for persons with disabilities. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and imprisonment.
Under the Act, Buhari also established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, responsible for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the law.
Auta said, “This law has been instrumental in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria”.
” it was a moment of dignity restored, We will always remember that he chose to listen to us, and act.” she added
The Network of Women with Disabilities extends its heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family and to all Nigerians mourning his loss. “We pray that Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the NWD stated. “May his legacy of justice and equality continue to inspire a better Nigeria.”
