Abuja, Nigeria – December 7, 2024
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has intensified advocacy for inclusive development for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to address their needs and ensure their inclusion in national development plans.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abuja to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Gufwan emphasized the importance of mainstreaming the PWD community into Nigeria’s development agenda.
A Community Too Large to Ignore
Hon. Gufwan underscored the significance of the PWD community in Nigeria, which he estimated at a staggering 35 million people. Drawing attention to the scale of the population, he said:
“The PWDs community in Nigeria is estimated to be 35 million, a number larger than the population of many countries. It surpasses the combined population of the Gulf States. This is a clarion call for urgent intervention and attention to the needs of this community. Accessibility in buildings, roads, and infrastructure is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental right.”
He stressed that inclusive development requires intentional planning, collaboration, and resource allocation. According to him, leaving behind such a significant portion of the population would hinder Nigeria’s progress.
Shared Responsibility in Development
Hon. Gufwan noted that the responsibility for inclusive development extends to all stakeholders, urging both public and private sectors to actively participate in removing barriers to accessibility.
“The task for inclusive development is for everyone within the development architecture. We must work collectively to ensure that PWDs are adequately provided for, just as is done in developed countries where planning always includes the needs of PWDs,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NCPWD’s commitment to working with development partners, government agencies, and international organizations to create an inclusive society.
Breaking Down Barriers
Highlighting the numerous challenges faced by PWDs, Hon. Gufwan called for immediate action to remove physical, social, and systemic barriers.
“Barriers to accessibility are real in Nigeria, and they pose significant challenges to the operations and mobility of PWDs. We hope to see concerted efforts to address these barriers so that PWDs can thrive,” he stated.
A Call for Comprehensive Data
Dr. Adebayo, a consultant with NCPWD, praised the UNODC for its efforts in promoting inclusivity. However, he called for more robust data collection to capture the demographic details of PWDs, emphasizing the importance of detailed data in shaping policies.
“There is a need to develop comprehensive demographic data that includes gender, age, and disability type. Data is essential for meaningful inclusion and crafting policies tailored to the needs of PWDs,” Dr. Adebayo said.
He also advocated for an enhanced justice system that guarantees equal rights and access to justice for PWDs.
UNODC’s Commitment to Inclusion
Cheikh Toure, Country Director of UNODC, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to mainstreaming PWDs in its operations.
“This workshop was organized to explore ways to ensure adequate accessibility and inclusion for PWDs. As part of our 2025 plan, we are committed to engaging two interns from the PWD community and incorporating registered PWDs in the academic sector into the UNODC fold,” Toure announced.
Empowerment Through Employment
In a related development, Hon. Gufwan commended the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) for its recent initiative to empower 3,000 PWDs through a skills acquisition and empowerment program.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the NDE Training Institute in Kuduru, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Gufwan praised the program as a significant step towards financial independence for PWDs.
“This initiative lifts the status of PWDs by equipping them with vocational skills and grants to foster entrepreneurship. It is a commendable effort aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Plan for employment generation and poverty alleviation,” he said.
The Director-General of NDE, Hon. Silas Agara, highlighted the program’s broader impact, revealing that 73,731 individuals have been employed nationwide as part of the initiative.
A Path Toward Inclusive Development
As Nigeria continues to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Gufwan’s message resonates as a powerful call to action. His advocacy for inclusive development is a reminder that no nation can truly progress if a significant segment of its population is left behind.
With the combined efforts of stakeholders like the NCPWD, UNODC, and NDE, the dream of an inclusive Nigeria where PWDs can thrive and contribute meaningfully is becoming a tangible reality.
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