The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Medical Rehabilitation Centres across Nigeria to support individuals living with spinal cord injuries and other related disabilities. The centres will focus on neuro-rehabilitation, assistive support, and inclusive healthcare services.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, during a symposium organised to mark the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Day. The event, themed “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection, Empowering Lives, Enhancing Opportunities,” was jointly organised by the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), FCT Chapter, and the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa.
In his keynote address, Isa said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to improving the lives of Nigerians with spinal cord injuries and other forms of disability.
“The administration is fully aware of the challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries and is working to improve their quality of life,” Isa said.
He noted that the new rehabilitation centres would be developed in partnership with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB). The initiative is currently at the “situation assessment stage,” with government agencies reviewing existing healthcare infrastructure, identifying gaps, and preparing a National Policy on Rehabilitation and a Strategic Implementation Plan.
“When fully implemented, this framework will transform the rehabilitation landscape in Nigeria and offer renewed hope to countless individuals and families,” Isa assured.
Isa further stated that the government would provide assistive devices and promote inclusive policies to ensure no Nigerian is denied access to healthcare, dignity, or opportunity due to disability.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapter, expressed concern over the increasing number of spinal cord injuries globally.
“More than 15 million people around the world are living with spinal cord injuries. In 2019 alone, we recorded almost one million new cases. Road crashes and falls were responsible for over 700,000 of those injuries,” Ike said.
She urged the government to strengthen road safety laws, workplace protection measures, and emergency response systems. She also called on communities and the media to play their roles in creating safer environments and raising awareness.
“To the media: amplify stories that matter and keep disability at the heart of the public agenda. And to every individual: take responsibility—at home, at work, and on the road,” she added.
In her remarks, Chioma Maureen Egede, Chairperson of SCIAN Abuja, said this year’s theme highlights the urgent need for preventive action.
“Falls remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries globally, and in Nigeria, the impact is felt across homes, offices, and public spaces,” Egede noted.
She commended SCIAN’s progress in peer support, rehabilitation, and public advocacy, but stressed that more must be done to protect vulnerable groups and ensure accessible healthcare for all.
“Our work is far from over. We must continue to push for inclusive infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and policies that prioritise prevention and dignity for all,” she said.
Egede called on the government and private sector to commit to building a future where spinal cord injuries are no longer common or ignored.
“Let this gathering be a spark—igniting change, inspiring action, and strengthening our collective resolve,” she added.
The event brought together health experts, journalists, disability advocates, and policymakers, all united in their call for improved medical services and legal protections for those living with spinal cord injuries..
