By Palma Ileye
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has called for stronger national commitment to inclusion, care support systems, and policy actions that protect the rights and dignity of persons living with autism.
In a statement to commemorate the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day themed: “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said Nigeria must move beyond awareness to practical inclusion where individuals on the autism spectrum are supported through deliberate policies and social interventions.
She noted that Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, was an increasing global public health and social development concern, with global estimates indicating that about one in every 100 children was on the autism spectrum.
According to her, Nigeria still faces data gaps, but emerging assessments show a growing number of affected families, with many cases either undiagnosed or diagnosed late due to limited awareness, stigma, and inadequate access to specialized services.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that autism also presents economic and social implications, particularly within the care economy, where women and girls provide over 70 percent of unpaid caregiving support for persons with developmental conditions.
She warned that without proper support systems, the burden of care could worsen gender inequality, limit women’s participation in the workforce, and affect household economic stability.
The Minister said the Federal Government is integrating autism care into national development priorities in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the 2026 Presidential Declaration as the Year of Families and Social Development.
She disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is implementing structured interventions under the 9-Pillar Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention, RHSII-774, framework aimed at strengthening inclusive care systems across the country.
According to her, investing in the care economy was not only a social responsibility but also an economic necessity capable of improving family wellbeing, boosting productivity, and promoting inclusive growth.
She listed key priority areas of the Ministry to include the development and awareness creation of the Revised National Child Policy, expansion of community-based care and support services, and advocacy for increased public investment in the care economy.
