Groups representing persons with disabilities have sued the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding ₦66 trillion in damages over what they described as decades of abuse, exclusion and neglect.
The suit, filed on 12th August 2026, is numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1824/2026.
The applicants said they are acting on behalf of more than 40 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
The plaintiffs include the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Nigeria, Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Initiative, Foundation for the Support of Nigerian Veterans and Centre for Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.
They named 26 respondents, including the attorney general of the federation, the National Assembly, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and several federal ministries and agencies.
The groups are seeking ₦1 trillion for every year since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, which they put at ₦66 trillion in general, structural and punitive damages.
They also want the court to compel the government to restructure its disability institutions and establish a fully elevated federal ministry responsible for disability and rehabilitation affairs.
The applicants are asking the court to order Nigeria to fully comply with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the African Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
They are also seeking amendments to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 to bring it in line with those commitments.
The groups want the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and auditor-general for the federation to conduct forensic audits into funds meant for persons with disabilities.
They specifically alleged the diversion of ₦24 billion from the MSMEDF/AGSMEIS funds and are seeking the recovery of funds and other resources allegedly diverted from disability programmes.
The allegations remain claims before the court.
The applicants also want all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and 774 local government councils to establish fully funded disability implementation offices or commissions.
The suit comes amid continuing concerns over the implementation of disability rights in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, disability groups said the country had about 35 million persons with disabilities and called for stronger policies and better data to guide government programmes.
JONAPWD has also criticised the slow implementation of Nigeria’s commitments under the 2025 Global Disability Summit, saying poor accessibility remains a major barrier to education, health care, employment and social protection.
The plaintiffs described the latest case as a landmark human rights action aimed at securing structural reforms and ending what they called decades of marginalisation and institutional neglect.
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