PWDs call upon government for assistance amid economic hardships.

People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria are grappling with the harsh realities of a soaring cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and overall hardship. Their concerns were articulated in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. In this letter, the PWDs highlighted the immense challenges they face due to the worsening economic conditions in the country.

Simultaneously, the Nigerian Labour Congress and affiliated unions staged a nationwide protest on Tuesday to draw attention to the prevailing economic hardships affecting citizens nationwide. Amidst this backdrop, the PWDs’ letter, signed by Disability Inclusion Nigeria’s Convener, Jake Epelle, emphasized the disproportionate impact of economic adversity on this marginalized group.

Epelle underscored the dire situation, stating, “We write to express our deep concern for the welfare of all Nigerians and our profound alarm at the devastating impact of the current economic situation on the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly persons with disabilities.” He elaborated on how skyrocketing inflation rates have severely undermined the purchasing power of Nigerians, hindering access to essential needs such as healthcare, education, transportation, and food, thereby exacerbating poverty and despair among countless individuals, particularly those with disabilities.