International Law and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Assessing Implementation in Oyo State

This research assesses the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Oyo State, located in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone. Nigeria ratified the CRPD in 2010, committing to a framework that recognises the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and mandates non-discrimination in areas including education, employment, health, and political participation. The study employs a descriptive methodology, drawing on CRPD provisions, Nigeria's Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, state-level policy documents, and civil society reports to assess compliance gaps in Oyo State. It examines accessibility standards in public infrastructure, inclusive education policy implementation in Ibadan and other urban centres, and the experiences of persons with disabilities in accessing social services and formal employment. Findings indicate that while the national legislative framework provides a formal basis for rights realisation, practical implementation in Oyo State is impeded by inadequate funding, lack of awareness among public officials, inaccessible built environments, and the absence of a dedicated state-level disability rights enforcement mechanism. The paper also evaluates the role of non-governmental organisations in filling implementation gaps. Recommendations include the enactment of Oyo State disability rights legislation, mandatory disability impact assessments for public infrastructure projects, and capacity-building for disability rights advocates. Keywords: CRPD, disability rights, Oyo State, inclusion, Nigeria.