In a historic celebration of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), unveiled an ambitious roadmap for advancing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. Speaking at the Unity Fountain in Abuja after a symbolic walk from the Commission’s headquarters, Hon. Gufwan declared his commitment to transforming the Commission into a driving force for disability advocacy and inclusion.
Under the global theme of “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” Hon. Gufwan set the stage for a new chapter in disability advocacy. He emphasized that the NCPWD, established under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, is mandated to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of over 30 million PWDs in Nigeria.
“This Commission was created to ensure that where there is a right, there is a remedy,” he said, highlighting the Commission’s enforcement powers to monitor compliance with the Disability Act, even to the extent of sealing defaulting premises that fail to meet accessibility standards.
National Disability Inclusion Architecture: A Framework for Change
Central to Hon. Gufwan’s vision is the establishment of a National Disability Inclusion Architecture (NDIA), a comprehensive framework designed to guide Nigeria’s efforts toward achieving full implementation of the Disability Act on a multi-sectoral scale. He outlined six strategic pillars for the NDIA:
- Strengthening governance and institutional frameworks at all levels of government.
- Developing a National Disability Database to provide accurate demographic data on PWDs.
- Enforcing physical and digital accessibility across sectors.
- Facilitating access to assistive technologies.
- Promoting equal employment opportunities and economic empowerment.
- Conducting strategic public awareness campaigns.
Quick Wins for the Next Year
Hon. Gufwan shared an ambitious one-year action plan to kickstart the NDIA. The plan includes:
- Establishing the National Council on Disability and Disability Support Units across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
- Developing a digital infrastructure to support a standalone National Disability Database in collaboration with state and local governments.
- Implementing a pilot phase of the National Accessibility Regulation in the Federal Capital Territory and six states, representing all geopolitical zones.
- Engaging international manufacturers to facilitate access to assistive technologies and devices.
- Partnering with the Nigeria Business Disability Network (NBDN) to enhance formal employment opportunities for PWDs.
- Designing a robust public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Progress Under Gufwan’s Leadership
Since his appointment, Hon. Gufwan has spearheaded transformative initiatives to address systemic barriers faced by PWDs. Key achievements include:
- Scholarship Schemes: Expansion of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students with disabilities in public tertiary institutions, easing financial burdens and promoting educational inclusivity.
- Employment Advocacy: Enforcement of the 5% employment quota for PWDs in federal civil service and educational institutions, breaking barriers to equitable employment opportunities.
- Empowerment Programs: Collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to secure 3,000 training and grant slots for PWDs, fostering vocational skills and entrepreneurship.
- Military Collaboration: Securing partnerships with the Nigerian military to produce prosthetics and provide mobility aids such as wheelchairs and crutches.
A Focus on Accessibility and Data
Hon. Gufwan stressed the critical need for accessible infrastructure in education, the legal system, and public spaces. He has engaged with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to ensure schools are physically accessible and with the judiciary to make courts more inclusive.
Recognizing the absence of reliable data on PWDs in Nigeria, the Commission is working with the National Population Commission (NPC) to develop a detailed National Disability Database. This initiative aims to capture comprehensive demographic data, including gender, age, and disability type, to inform policy-making and resource allocation.
“The lack of reliable data has been a significant challenge in advocating for adequate support for PWDs,” Hon. Gufwan noted. “With the NPC’s advanced digital census plan, we aim to close this gap and foster a more inclusive environment.”
Partnerships and Advocacy
Hon. Gufwan commended the Commission’s partners, including the World Bank, Sightsavers, CBM International, and the British Council, for their support. Notably, Sightsavers has been instrumental in developing the Commission’s accessibility plan and donated 200 guide kits to support visually impaired individuals.
A Call for Support
As Hon. Gufwan wrapped up his address, he appealed to stakeholders and partners to support the Commission’s bold reforms and vision for a more inclusive Nigeria. He also called for increased budgetary allocations to fund critical programs, including scholarships, mobility aids, and medical outreaches.
With this comprehensive plan, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan is not just celebrating the 2024 IDPD; he is laying the groundwork for a future where the voices of PWDs are amplified, their leadership is recognized, and their contributions to society are celebrated.
As the nation joins hands to embrace this vision, the NCPWD stands as a beacon of hope, driving the message that disability inclusion is not just a goal but a collective responsibility.
