Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion and stronger support systems for persons living with autism and their caregivers as Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the commitment in a press statement issued on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the annual observance themed “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the theme underscores the need for society to move beyond awareness to meaningful inclusion where individuals on the autism spectrum are fully recognized in both policy and practice.
According to the minister, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a growing global public health and social development concern, noting that global estimates show about one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum.
She explained that although Nigeria faces limitations in data collection, emerging national and regional assessments suggest a rising prevalence of autism, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or diagnosed late due to stigma, low awareness and limited access to specialised services.
The minister noted that autism not only affects individuals but also has far-reaching implications for families and society.
“Evidence shows that over 70 per cent of caregiving for children and persons with developmental conditions is carried out by women and girls, often unpaid and unrecognized. This places autism within the broader framework of the care economy,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that inadequate support for caregivers could reinforce gender inequality, reduce women’s participation in the labour force and affect household economic stability.
She said the Federal Government was therefore working to integrate autism-related support into national development priorities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2026 Presidential Declaration as the Year of Families and Social Development.
According to her, the Ministry is advancing a structured and inclusive approach to care through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) programme.
She outlined key priorities of the ministry to include the development and awareness creation of the revised National Child Policy, establishment of community-based care and support services for families and caregivers, and advocacy for increased public investment in the care economy.
Other initiatives include the development of national nutrition guidelines, the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition, and the promotion of **Tom Brown and other nutrient-dense, locally sourced food blends to improve nutrition and food security.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also disclosed plans to establish Tom Brown Centres across communities as hubs for food distribution and nutrition education.
The minister called on government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners to strengthen collaboration in building a responsive system that supports persons with autism and their caregivers.
“As we mark this important day, we reaffirm our solidarity with individuals living with autism and their families. Together, we must build a Nigeria where every life is valued, where care is recognised and supported, and where inclusion becomes institutionalised,” she said.
