Persons living with Albinism under the auspices of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) have urged the local, state, and federal governments to begin the full implementation of Nigeria’s commitments to the post-Global Disability Summit (GDS) reached in Berlin, Germany, in April 2025.

The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is the world’s leading platform for driving forward the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Launched in 2018, the Summit brings together governments, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society, the private sector, international organisations, and donors to accelerate progress on disability-inclusive development and humanitarian action.

Speaking during a media roundtable in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the Executive Director, AAN, Dr. Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, decried the incessant discrimination they faced in society, even in employment opportunities, due to the nature God created them.

She urged the Nigerian government to adhere to the commitment made at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025, by highlighting who is classified as an albino, what their peculiarities are, their shortcomings, and how they can improve their lives.

She said, “Through strategic community outreach, policy advocacy, and public education, people with albinism have made significant strides in improving access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

“Our ongoing push for the implementation of the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria reflects our resolve to drive systematic change that empowers People With Albinism to thrive in society.

“We have the mission to unite and protect the rights and interests of persons with albinism against discrimination and marginalisation in society, while pursuing the vision to attain a fair, secure, and socially inclusive society that empowers members and provides unfettered access to opportunities for self-fulfilment and dignity of human life.

“Media should help us strengthen government efforts by showcasing positive actions and encouraging broader implementation of disability inclusive policies.

“Let’s support efforts to raise awareness about Albinism, promote understanding, and combat discrimination. Nigerian government has made significant strides in addressing albinism with a focus on legal protection, social inclusion, and addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by people with albinism, but we need media support to amplify our voices,” she said.

Also speaking while outlining the objectives of the media roundtable, the Program Manager, Joseph Akuse, said the event was part of AAN’s collective advocacy to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with albinism.

He added that the media roundtable serves as a strategic platform to deepen engagement with the media, government, civil society, and disability stakeholders.

He said, “It is anchored on the need to strengthen accountability around Nigeria’s commitments made at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 and ensure that persons with albinism are not left behind in national disability inclusion efforts.

“In summary, these objectives are designed to guide our collective efforts during this roundtable and beyond, ensuring that the media plays an active role in holding stakeholders accountable, amplifying the voices of persons with albinism and other marginalized groups, and supporting the full implementation of Nigeria’s GDS 2025 commitments in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and impactful.

Also speaking, a member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, urged persons with albinism to always prepare themselves for opportunities, but should not allow the colour of their skin to deter them from pursuing their dreams.

She stated that the State House of Assembly is already in the process of domesticating the law on disability.