Cultural Perceptions of Disability and Policy Implementation for Inclusive Development in North West Nigeria

Abstract

Disability inclusion remains a critical challenge in North West Nigeria, where cultural perceptions often influence societal attitudes and policy implementation. Despite national and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), persons with disabilities continue to face marginalization in social, educational, and political spaces. Existing literature highlights the persistence of stigma and limited policy uptake, yet few studies examine the intersection of local cultural beliefs and disability-inclusive governance in this region. This study addresses this gap by exploring how cultural attitudes shape the implementation of inclusive policies for persons with disabilities in North West Nigeria. Using a qualitative design, the research engaged 35 key informants, including policymakers, disability advocacy representatives, and community leaders, through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically to identify patterns in perceptions, policy challenges, and community responses. Findings show that participants’ own accounts of disability converged on three interlocking cultural frames rooted in Islamic and Hausa-Fulani tradition: divine will (kaddara), which encourages resilience and acceptance but can also promote fatalism; charity and almsgiving (sadaka), which mobilises community compassion but can entrench dependency over empowerment; and residual traditional or supernatural explanations that continue to circulate alongside religious teaching, particularly in rural settings. Alongside bureaucratic bottlenecks and limited awareness, participants reported that these cultural frames shape whether policies are taken up at the community level, while proactive community engagement and advocacy offer pathways for improvement. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive policy strategies that align with national and SDG objectives. The results provide actionable insights for policymakers, disability advocates, and scholars, offering a foundation for enhancing inclusive governance and promoting equity for persons with disabilities in the region.