Making Case for the Implementation of National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria

The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), recently held a one-day Media Interactive Meeting, where they called on the federal government to implement the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria speedily. Sunday Ehigiator reports

In 2019, Nigeria enacted the National Policy on Albinism to address the socio-economic challenges faced by Persons with Albinism (PWAs). The policy aims to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, social inclusion, and economic opportunities, thereby harnessing their full potential.

The socio-cultural context in Nigeria has historically marginalized PWAs, perpetuating myths, stigma, discrimination, and segregation. This has resulted in psychological challenges and limited opportunities for PWAs.

The policy’s holistic approach promotes education and social inclusion, improves healthcare access, enhances economic empowerment, and fosters political participation. Doing so addresses the root causes of marginalisation and promotes equal opportunities.

However, despite its enactment in 2019, implementation remains far-reached. To address this, the Albinism Association of Nigeria convened a media interactive meeting in Lagos, urging governments at all levels to prioritise policy implementation.

Overview on Albinism

Giving an overview on Albinism, AAN’s Executive Director, Bisi Bamishe revealed that, every month, at least two persons with Albinism die of skin cancer.

According to him, “Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a lack or absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

“Albinism is not a disease or curse. For a child to be born with albinism, it means both parents have the gene in them. In Nigeria, albinism is seen as a curse by some people and many PWAs face discrimination, stigmatisation, and even violence.

“A child with Albinism in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including discrimination and social exclusion. Nigerian society is largely ignorant about the condition and the challenges that come with it.

“Persons with Albinism in Nigeria are also at an increased risk of skin cancer due to the lack of melanin pigment in their skin. Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays does lead to skin damage and ultimately, skin cancer.

“Unfortunately, many PWAs in Nigeria cannot afford to buy sunscreen and other protective clothing due to poverty. Every month, we lose at least two persons with albinism to skin cancer.

“It is against this background that the Federal Government has taken a keen interest in Albinism and the challenges faced by PWAs in terms of their skin problems, vision, low self-esteem, myths, discrimination and stigmatisation.”

Build-up to the Albinism Policy

Speaking about the build-up to the enactment of the National Albinism policy, Bamishe said “To mitigate the learning challenges faced by PWAs and create educational access, a Blueprint on Albinism Education in Nigeria, was developed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“Consequently, the need for a more encompassing policy that will address the multi-faceted needs of Persons with Albinism became imperative.

“In 2012, a Ministerial Committee was set up by the then Honourable Minister of State for Education, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike, to develop a National Policy on Albinism.

“This immediately started with the involvement of a committee of representatives from Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, Justice, Finance, Labour and Employment; Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and many other parastatals and private organisations.

“After the draft and justification of the policy through the appropriate quarters, it was finally accented in 2019 to last for five years after which a review would be done to keep pace with the current humanitarian and environmental activities. Unfortunately, this policy has not seen the light of the day since 2019.”

Plights of Persons with Albinism

In Nigeria, PWAs are often viewed with suspicion and misunderstanding. Harmful socio-cultural myths and beliefs perpetuate stigma and discrimination, leading to social isolation and exclusion, limited access to education and employment, psychological trauma and low self-esteem, and increased risk of skin cancer and vision impairment.

PWAs require specialized healthcare services, including skin cancer prevention and treatment, vision care and assistive technologies, and regular check-ups and monitoring.

However, Nigeria’s healthcare system often fails to provide adequate services, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increased morbidity and mortality, and reduced quality of life.

PWAs also face significant barriers to education and economic empowerment, including limited access to inclusive education, lack of assistive technologies and resources, and discrimination in employment and job opportunities.

Policy Relevance

Speaking on the policy’s relevance, the National President of, the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), who doubles as its Executive Director, Mrs Bisi Bamishe, noted that, “The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria.

“The policy aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism. It was drafted in 2019 with plans to be implemented within five years. So, it was expected that its implementation would be completed by December 2024 unfortunately, but it has not seen the light of the day.

“Since it has not been implemented as intended up till now, persons with albinism are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting our course of living was initiated.

“Persons with albinism are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting our course of living was initiated.

“Hence, the need to ensure review and implementation is necessary because of the prevailing negative circumstances faced by PWAs.

“The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. The policy aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism.”

AAN Objectives

Speaking on the association’s objectives, the Lagos State Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria Mr. Tolani Ojuri noted that the meeting was targeted at raising awareness about the policy and its guidelines and advocating for effective implementation to improve living conditions for PWAs.

According to the Chairman, “As we gather today, we are here not only to engage in discussions but also to strategize and collaborate on how to enhance media coverage around albinism-related issues.

“This is an opportunity to build a united front to tackle misinformation, discrimination, and stigmatization faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria.

“We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of the National Albinism Policy and its significance for the protection and inclusion of persons with albinism.

“We strongly believe that the media will help to play a crucial role in raising awareness about albinism and promoting a more inclusive society.

Call to Action

Speaking further, Bamishe said, “As we move forward, I want to challenge each of you whether you represent local, traditional, or new media to take this policy and its provisions to heart.

“The stories you tell, the platforms you use, and the messages you craft will have a lasting impact on the lives of persons with albinism in Nigeria. Together, we can make sure that no one is left behind and that the National Albinism Policy becomes a lived reality for every person with albinism in our country.

“In conclusion, the National Policy on Albinism is not just a document; it is a call for action. Through your platforms, you can bring the policy to life, to ensure that its provisions are not just words on paper but rights that are actively respected and protected.”

He therefore urged governments at all levels to revisit and ensure the effective nationwide implementation of the National Policy on Albinism.