Disability rights advocates have urged the National Assembly to fully integrate sign language interpreters into legislative processes and parliamentary broadcasts, warning that current practices exclude millions of deaf citizens from governance.
Groups including TAF Africa, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the Association of Sign Language Interpreters raised the concern during a meeting with Speaker House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass in Abuja.
Founder of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said interpreters deployed in plenary sessions remain “practically invisible” during NASS TV broadcasts because cameras rarely capture them.
“If viewers cannot see interpreters clearly, the purpose of inclusion is defeated,” Epelle stressed, calling for dedicated cameras and better integration of interpreters into the media team.
On his part NCPWD’s Lawrence Idemudia cited additional barriers, including restricted access to chambers, unconscious discrimination by staff, and lack of protective gear for interpreters. He recommended disability audits, accessible parking, and creation of disability desks within the National Assembly.
Adding his voice, John Bamidele, President of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters, called for official recognition of Nigerian Sign Language as a national language, creation of a certification body, and structured employment with budgetary provisions for interpreters.
“Interpreters cannot rely on goodwill and stipends. We need professional structures and continuous training to serve the deaf community effectively,” he said.
Promises of Reform
Responding, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, represented by Committee Chair Bashiru Dawodu, announced measures to improve accessibility, including screen-in-screen features for interpreters on NASS TV and formalised broadcast protocols.
“For the first time in Nigerian parliamentary history, sign language interpreters have been deployed to plenary. We will now ensure they are fully visible and integrated,” Abass said.
He also outlined plans to introduce a Disability Compliance Scorecard for ministries, create a National Disability Infrastructure Fund, dedicate budget lines for inclusion programs, and fast-track bills on inclusive education, employment equity, and accessible transport.
Other commitments include mandatory disability awareness training for staff, sign language training for frontline officers, and hosting town halls on disability issues in constituencies.
A National Dialogue on Disability Inclusion is also scheduled before the end of 2025.
Advocates Cautiously Optimistic
While stakeholders welcomed the pledges, they stressed that implementation remains the real test. “True inclusion is not about presence, but visibility and equal access,” one advocate said.
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