The Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN) on Friday called on regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, government agencies, and OPDs to intensify collaboration toward building an inclusive financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind.
They specifically urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to prevail on commercial banks to provide walk ways for those on wheelchairs, provide sign language, and consider those who are visually-impaired, reports Weekend Trust.
ALDIN members made this demand at a one-day validation workshop organised to advance efforts toward strengthening financial inclusion for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The workshop focused on reviewing findings from a baseline survey, accessibility audit, and policy review conducted under ALDIN’s project titled “Strengthening Financial Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.”
The engagement brought together representatives from government institutions, financial service providers, civil society organisations, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to examine evidence-based findings and refine strategies aimed at addressing barriers to financial access for over 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Barr. Mariam Mekpagili commended ALDIN’s leadership in promoting disability rights through research-driven advocacy and policy engagement.
She emphasised that financial exclusion remains a major obstacle to economic empowerment for persons with disabilities, noting that limited access to banking, credit, insurance, and digital financial services continues to hinder inclusive development.
According to her, the project represents a shift from advocacy to evidence-based action, while the validation workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to critically assess findings, incorporate lived experiences, and develop practical, inclusive recommendations.
Reaffirming NCPWD’s mandate under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, she stressed that financial inclusion is both a fundamental right and a key driver of national development.
In his remarks, Ikem Uchegbulam, National President of ALDIN and Project Lead, highlighted that the initiative was designed to critically assess the real-life challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing financial services.
He noted that despite existing legal and policy frameworks, many individuals still encounter physical, systemic, digital, and attitudinal barriers that limit their participation in the financial system.
Uchegbulam explained that the validation workshop was not only to present findings but to ensure that the data accurately reflects lived realities and informs practical, impactful recommendations.
He encouraged participants to contribute meaningful feedback that would strengthen advocacy efforts and guide policy engagement.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in ALDIN’s project, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to validate data, interrogate findings, and co-create solutions ahead of final reporting and policy dissemination.
