‘Nigeria leads Africa in disability-inclusive policies’

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, said that Nigeria has taken the lead among African nations in developing and implementing disability-inclusive policies.

He made this statement yesterday during the One-day National Stakeholders Consultation on the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS2025) Commitments, which was organised by NCPWD in Abuja.

The event aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss and align Nigeria’s commitments ahead of the GDS2025 in Germany, set for April 2025.

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Gufwan stateded that the summit offers Nigeria an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

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He reflected on Nigeria’s progress since the 2018 GDS held in the United Kingdom, noting that Nigeria has consistently fulfilled its commitments. “In 2018, Nigeria pledged to enact the Disability Act, and in less than a year, specifically by January 2019, the federal government fulfilled this commitment,” Gufwan said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s progress in areas such as disability-inclusive education, social protection, public infrastructure, and job creation for PwDs.

Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by Hon. Bashiru Daudu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, stated that caring for PwDs is not just a matter of kindness, but a fundamental human right.

He added that the House would continue to legislate to promote the dignity, welfare, and well-being of PwDs. “Caring for PwDs is about the restoration and preservation of human dignity,” Abbas affirmed.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, represented by Mr. Valentine Ezulu, assured that the government is committed to advancing the course of PwDs.

The minister outlined efforts, including expanding social protection coverage, promoting disability-friendly education, and ensuring accessibility standards across buildings.