As Nigeria progresses towards a cashless society and a thriving digital economy, persons affected by leprosy remain marginalized, struggling for survival in the shadows of this technological advancement.
In Ogun State, the plight of individuals living with leprosy highlights the severe consequences of systemic exclusion. Many of them feel estranged from Nigerian society due to their inability to enroll in the National Identification Number (NIN) system, which has become a prerequisite for accessing essential services like banking, healthcare, and telecommunications.
“We Are No Longer Nigerians,” Say Lepers
Jimoh Ahmed, Chairman of the Integrated Dignity Economic Advancement (IDEA), an association representing persons affected by leprosy in Ogun State, shared the devastating impact of their exclusion. According to Ahmed, several members have been unable to register for NIN due to the loss of their fingers, leading to flagged bank accounts and disconnected phone lines.
“I would say people affected by leprosy are no longer Nigerians because whatever we want to do now, they ask for NIN,” Ahmed told DAILY POST. “Some of our members have money in the bank but can’t access it because their accounts are flagged, and the banks demand NIN.”
Struggling for Survival in the Colonies
Ogun State has two leprosy colonies, one in Iberekodo, Abeokuta, and the other in Ijebu Igbo. Residents of these colonies face daily hardships, relying heavily on a N10,000 monthly stipend provided by the state government. Ahmed revealed that the stipend, though appreciated, is insufficient to meet their needs, especially with rising economic challenges.
“The government increased the stipend to N10,000 in 2013. Before that, it was N3,000. We’re grateful for the increment, but we are pleading with the current administration to review it because of the hardship,” Ahmed said.
Farming, once their primary occupation, has also been affected by land encroachment, leaving many without a means of livelihood. “We’re trying to encourage members to diversify into other businesses, but there’s no money to start,” Ahmed added.
Discrimination in Daily Life
Beyond economic challenges, persons affected by leprosy face significant social discrimination. Ahmed recounted instances where public transport drivers refuse to carry them.
“Whenever we want to enter a car, they see our hands or legs and say, ‘Don’t come in,’” Ahmed lamented.
Education is another area of concern. Ahmed noted that many children of persons affected by leprosy have dropped out of school due to humiliation and discrimination.
NIMC: Enrollment Possible Without Fingerprints
Responding to the issue, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) assured that persons affected by leprosy could still be enrolled in the NIN system.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Corporate Communication Unit at NIMC, emphasized that the commission does not discriminate. “If they don’t have fingers, we can take their pictures and generate a NIN for them,” Adegoke said.
He also noted that NIMC is willing to deploy mobile registration units to leper colonies, as it has done in other states, to ensure inclusivity.
A Call for Action
While the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, persons affected by leprosy remain excluded, silenced, and forced to live on the margins of society. Advocacy groups and stakeholders are calling for increased government intervention to address their challenges, reintegrate them into society, and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
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