Rethinking Disability Clusters in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects

In Nigeria, disability is commonly categorized into clusters—physical, sensory, intellectual, learning, and psychosocial—for purposes of service delivery, policy formulation, and statistical reporting. While these classifications offer administrative utility, they risk oversimplifying individual functional needs, reinforcing stigma, and fragmenting policy and service responses. Focusing on the limitations of current clustering practices, drawing on recent empirical findings and policy developments, including the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 and national disability assessments, it advocates for a shift toward functional, rights-based, and intersectional frameworks. Key recommendations include adopting the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), enhancing national disability data systems, strengthening implementation and oversight of disability legislation, mainstreaming assistive technologies, building capacity for inclusive education, and fostering participatory policy design through collaboration with Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs). These reforms hold promise for advancing equity, accessibility, and quality of services for persons with disabilities across Nigeria. The paper argues for a rethinking of disability clustering in Nigeria toward a functional, rights-based, and data-driven approach that centers participation, removes administrative barriers, and expands cross-cluster strategies (e.g., assistive technology, community-based rehabilitation, and inclusive education). Drawing on national legislation, recent surveys and policy evaluations, and contemporary literature, the key problems are outlines with current clustering and propose practical prospects and policy actions for a more equitable disability architecture in Nigeria.