By Agency Report
The Federal Government says it is boosting community-based care and support services across Nigeria, including assistance for families and caregivers, in response to the rising cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the country.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja, while marking the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day.
She explained that the initiative is part of efforts to tackle autism as an increasing public health and social development challenge, noting that current estimates show about one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum.
“Although data in Nigeria remain limited, emerging national and regional assessments suggest a rising prevalence, with thousands of families directly impacted,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She added that many cases remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed late due to limited awareness, stigma, and gaps in access to specialised services.
The minister emphasised that autism affects not just individuals but families and society. She noted that over 70 per cent of caregiving for children and persons with developmental conditions is provided by women and girls, often unpaid and unrecognised.
“This places autism within the broader framework of the care economy. If not properly supported, the burden of care can reinforce gender inequality, reduce women’s participation in the labour force, and limit household economic stability,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said it had become imperative to prioritise autism within national development plans, particularly by strengthening Nigeria’s care systems.
She said the ministry, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the 2026 Presidential Declaration as the Year of Families and Social Development, was advancing a structured and inclusive approach under the Nine-Pillar Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774).
“Investing in the care economy is not only a social obligation but also an economic imperative. By supporting caregivers through social protection, access to services, skills development, and respite care, we unlock productivity, improve family well-being, and promote inclusive growth,” the minister said.
She listed key priorities of the ministry to include the development and awareness creation of the Revised National Child Policy, community-based care and support services, and advocacy for increased public investment in the care economy.
Other initiatives include developing national nutrition guidelines, establishing a dedicated Department of Nutrition, and promoting nutrient-dense, locally sourced food blends such as Tom Brown.
The minister said plans are also underway to establish Tom Brown Centres as community hubs for food distribution and nutrition education.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, to collaborate in building a responsive and inclusive system for persons with autism and their caregivers.
She stressed the need to reduce stigma, expand access to services, and invest in care infrastructure as national priorities.
“As we mark this important day, I extend my deepest solidarity to all individuals living with autism and their families. Your resilience continues to inspire national action, and your rights remain central to our policy commitments,” the minister said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a society where every life is valued, care is recognised and supported, and inclusion is institutionalised.
(NAN)
