Health
FG Moves To Strengthen Care Systems As Autism Cases Rise
By Justina Auta
The Federal Government says it is strengthening Nigeria’s community-based care and support services, including support for families and caregivers in response to the rising prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the country.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the move was in line with efforts to address autism as a growing global public health and social development concern, noting that available estimates indicate that about one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum.
According to her, although Nigeria faces data limitations, emerging national and regional assessments suggest a rising prevalence, with thousands of families directly impacted.
She, however, noted that many cases remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed late due to limited awareness, stigma and gaps in access to specialised services.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that autism extends beyond individuals to families and society, adding 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, where the burden of care, if not properly supported, can reinforce gender inequality, reduce women’s participation in the labour force and limit household economic stability,” she said.
The minister said it had become imperative to prioritise autism within national development plans, particularly in strengthening Nigeria’s care systems.
She said the ministry, in alignment 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).
She noted that investing in the care economy was both a social obligation and an economic imperative, as supporting caregivers would improve productivity, enhance family well-being and promote inclusive growth.
“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,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim 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.
Others, she said, include the development of national nutrition guidelines, establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition, and promotion of nutrient-dense, locally sourced food blends such as Tom Brown.
She added that plans were underway to establish Tom Brown Centers as community hubs for food distribution and nutrition education.
The minister called on stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, 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,” she 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)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan