In a significant development for the disability community in Nigeria, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has pledged to take decisive actions to improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country. This commitment came after he received a comprehensive 4-year assessment report from the Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers in a high-profile event held in Abuja.
The report, which offers a detailed evaluation of the state of disability inclusiveness within Nigerian government policies, also chronicles the efforts of various disability advocacy groups in pushing for the historic signing of the Disability Act into law in 2018. This Act remains a cornerstone in the struggle for the rights of PWDs, and the report provides a deep dive into the successes, challenges, and areas where improvement is still urgently needed.
A Call to Action for Disability Inclusion
Speaking at the press briefing after receiving the report, Chief Ayuba Gufwan expressed his appreciation for the comprehensive work done by the Disability Civil Rights Movement and promised to meticulously review the document. He stressed that each clause of the report would be examined to ensure that appropriate actions are taken for the betterment of the over 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
“We are delighted to receive this report, and I pledge to do the needful to advance the cause of the disability community in Nigeria,” Gufwan said. “This is not just a report; it is a roadmap for future actions that we must take seriously to guarantee that the rights and well-being of PWDs are upheld.”
Chief Gufwan emphasized that the health and well-being of Nigerians are increasingly under pressure, noting that the rising rate of ill-health is directly proportional to the growing number of individuals with disabilities. He expressed concern over the need for government policies to adapt to the country’s rapidly increasing population, which is estimated to exceed 250 million within the next decade.
“As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, we must ensure that our policies keep pace, especially in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. It’s crucial that we begin planning for a future where inclusivity is embedded into every aspect of governance,” Gufwan added.
The Report: A Blueprint for Change
The assessment report is not only a critical evaluation of past efforts but also a forward-looking document containing specific prayers aimed at driving further progress for PWDs in Nigeria. Key areas covered in the report include education, healthcare, employment, and social services for PWDs, as well as the enforcement of existing laws and policies that protect their rights.
Dr. Job Napoleon Agbor, the Convener of the Pioneers of Nigeria National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers, delivered the report to Chief Gufwan. In his presentation, Dr. Agbor expressed his gratitude to the Executive Secretary for his continued openness and commitment to the cause. He praised Gufwan’s humility and passion for serving humanity, which has been evident since his appointment.
“I am so delighted to be here today to formally present the report of our findings over the past four years,” Agbor stated. “This report reflects the aspirations, struggles, and unmet needs of over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities. It is our hope that this will serve as a tool for better administration and policy-making in the next four years.”
The Unmet Aspirations of 35.5 Million Nigerians with Disabilities
Despite the notable progress that has been made in recent years—chiefly through the passing of the Disability Act—Dr. Agbor reiterated that much more needs to be done to meet the aspirations of PWDs in Nigeria. The report highlights significant gaps in the implementation of policies, particularly in areas such as accessibility to public services, inclusive education, and equal employment opportunities for PWDs.
Dr. Agbor also called on the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation to the NCPWD, emphasizing that the rising population of PWDs necessitates a greater financial commitment from the government. “If we are to address the growing needs of persons with disabilities, we need adequate funding to support programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life. The budgetary allocation must reflect the reality of the population we are serving,” Agbor urged.
A Roadmap for the Future
The reception of the 4-year assessment report marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to improve disability inclusion in Nigeria. Chief Gufwan’s commitment to taking action based on the findings of the report is a promising development, but the real challenge lies ahead—translating these promises into tangible improvements for the disability community.
The NCPWD has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of PWDs since its inception, but much remains to be done. With growing support from civil society, advocacy groups, and international partners, there is hope that this report will serve as a catalyst for further advancements in disability rights in Nigeria.
As the country looks toward the future, the focus must remain on ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities, resources, and justice. For the 35.5 million PWDs in Nigeria, the fight for inclusivity is far from over, but with committed leadership like that of Chief Ayuba Gufwan, there is reason to believe that change is on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the disability community and its advocates will closely monitor the actions taken by the NCPWD in response to the recommendations outlined in the report. The next four years will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria can truly become a society that values and upholds the rights of all its citizens, including those with disabilities.
For now, the disability community can take heart in knowing that their voices are being heard, and with leaders like Chief Ayuba Gufwan, there is hope that their aspirations will be met. The road ahead may be long, but with unity and continued advocacy, a more inclusive Nigeria is possible.
