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Imagine a life where something as routine as walking to the market, climbing onto a bus, or extending a hand for a greeting becomes an arduous obstacle. For hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, this is not conjecture—it is their lived experience every day. Amputation, resulting frequently from road traffic collisions, violence, or preventable conditions such as unmanaged diabetes, thrusts individuals into a reality marked by profound change. As prosthetist specialists, we bear witness daily to the determination and perseverance exhibited by people adapting to life after limb loss. However, their pursuit of wholeness and active participation in society demands much more than the provision of a prosthetic limb; it requires a collective societal commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and empowerment driven by comprehensive policy and authentic acceptance.
The trauma of losing a limb is immense, but the ongoing struggle against systemic societal obstacles can prove even more overwhelming. Many Nigerian amputees are forced to contend not only with their physical challenges, but also with invisible barriers—social stigma, discrimination, and the lack of accessible infrastructure. These barriers manifest in many aspects of life: exclusion from educational opportunities, daunting challenges in securing sustainable employment, and routine inaccessibility in public spaces, transportation networks, and even government premises. This entrenched marginalization suppresses not only individual ambition and self-worth, but also deprives Nigeria as a nation of the invaluable contributions and perspectives of people with disabilities. To truly unleash collective potential, we must ensure that policy acts as the foundation for empowerment.
Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 represents a vital legislative achievement. Yet, for its vision to be realized, robust implementation and strategic enforcement are mandatory. Beyond simply enacting laws, we must translate intention into action—securing dedicated healthcare funding, establishing insurance programs that drive down or eliminate the prohibitive costs of high-quality prosthetics, their necessary upkeep, and lifelong rehabilitation services. Accessibility should never be contingent on income or privilege—prosthetic limbs are integral tools that restore dignity, mobility, and purpose, and they must be within reach for all who need them, regardless of financial background.
Moreover, the principle of universal accessibility should be embedded in all public design and infrastructure guidelines—from the construction of ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms to guaranteeing universally inclusive public transportation systems. At the educational level, policies must foster adaptive learning environments, supply essential resources, and mandate reasonable accommodations, ensuring every learner’s path is unimpeded. In the job market, legislation should enforce equitable practices that actively welcome amputees into the workforce, possibly via targeted quotas, and support upward mobility through professional development.
However, the pulse of true inclusion beats beyond statutes. Social acceptance is the soil from which meaningful empowerment grows. The eradication of stigma requires deliberate, widespread public efforts—awareness initiatives steered by the media, local leaders, advocacy groups, and educational institutions—to foster understanding, challenge harmful stereotypes, and illuminate the capabilities of people living with limb differences. A national mindset shift is indispensable: we must move from narratives centered on pity or perceived weakness to a narrative that applauds courage, celebrates achievement, and recognizes the innate value of diversity.
This transformation is further catalyzed by increasing positive representation of amputees in media, sports, leadership, and community roles. Such visibility empowers both current and future generations, reframing public perception and dismantling long-standing biases. As professionals in prosthetics, we repeatedly witness the transformation that occurs when a well-crafted limb, tailored rehabilitation, and strong community support converge—unleashing new possibilities and potential. But the journey toward full participation continues long after the person is fitted with their device; it is completed only when communities welcome, policies protect, and opportunities abound for all.
This is an urgent appeal to every stakeholder: policymakers must prioritize swift enforcement and adequate funding; businesses must enthusiastically adopt inclusive hiring and workplace practices; educators must guarantee accessible, supportive learning environments; and, fundamentally, every Nigerian must confront personal biases and commit to fostering true inclusion. Only through such unified action can we build a Nigeria where amputees are not merely recipients of assistive devices, but full participants in society—living empowered, meaningful lives and enriching our nation with their resilience and talent. Let us collaborate to ensure a Nigeria where no one is excluded, and where every individual, irrespective of physical difference, has the opportunity to thrive and attain their dreams.
Bukola Omotosho, Proprietor at Boldcare Prosthetics, writes from Lagos.
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