Legal Protection of IDPs with Disability Amidst Human-Induced Climate Change in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kogi State
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Date
2025
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Published by the Department of Legislative Support Services, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Abuja
Abstract
In 2021, available evidence showed that about 85% of the total population in the world had
already been affected by human-induced climate change. Persons with disabilities not only
constituted 15% of this total population but their rights had been neglected. In Nigeria, the
results of human-induced extreme hazards and disasters have affected persons including those
living with disabilities because they are displaced and forced to resettle in other places for
survival. This forced habitation has doubled the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities.
Thus, they experience higher rates of injury and death, increase in economic insecurity, and
human rights violations. Using both quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods, this
research had two key objectives. First, it investigated how human-induced climate change
contributed to internal displacement. Second, the research critically analysed Nigeria’s
relevant legal instruments to ascertain the extent to which they address challenges relating to
persons with disabilities during climate change disasters and other emergencies. Kogi State
was used as a case study for this research. The findings revealed the ineffectiveness of extant
laws and policies on the participatory right and achieving durable solutions for persons with
disabilities during human-induced climate change disaster in Kogi State. The paper
recommended implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities
(Prohibition) Act, 2018; amendment of Kogi State Environmental Law, proper implementation
of the right-based approach measures identified in the National Policy on Internally Displaced
Persons, 2012 and the action plan under the Climate Change Act, 2021.