Abuja, Nigeria — September 10, 2025
In a bold step toward building an inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is left behind, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) Foundation to accelerate the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The ceremony, which took place at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top management of the NCPWD, including the Directors of Compliance and Enforcement, Social Integration, Human Resources Management, Planning, Research and Statistics. The TALI Foundation was represented by its Co-Founder, Barrister Prada Uzodimma, alongside other key members of her team.
“A Marriage of Purpose”
In his keynote remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the partnership as a “marriage of purpose” between two organizations united by the common mission of dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities.
“We are not just signing papers today; we are committing ourselves to action. This MoU must translate into practical steps that remove barriers and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Disability Act is one of Nigeria’s most progressive laws, but its success requires every hand on deck. With partners like the TALI Foundation, we are confident that implementation will move faster and deeper across the country,” Hon. Gufwan said.
He reminded stakeholders that inclusion is not a favour extended to PWDs, but a fundamental human right, urging civil society, the private sector, and all tiers of government to unite in protecting the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
TALI Foundation’s Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the TALI Foundation, Barr. Prada Uzodimma expressed profound gratitude to the Commission for standing with the organization from its inception.
“From our very first programme three years ago, the Commission stood by us, represented us, and guided us. Today is a day of joy as we formalize a relationship that has already been tested and proven. This MoU is not the end but the beginning of bigger initiatives, as we walk side by side with NCPWD to bridge the gap for persons with disabilities in Nigeria,” Uzodimma said.
She explained that the Foundation’s work is anchored on five core pillars—accessible housing, transportation, healthcare, mental well-being, and advocacy—all of which align seamlessly with the objectives of the Disability Act.
Next Steps in the Partnership
As part of this new collaboration, NCPWD and TALI Foundation will jointly host the First Lady’s Stakeholder Forum on Disability Inclusion in November 2025. The forum will bring together state actors, development partners, and disability advocates to fast-track state-level implementation of the Disability Act and ensure practical impact across communities.
The Commission also pledged to provide technical expertise and policy guidance to guarantee that all projects birthed under the MoU yield tangible benefits for persons with disabilities.
A Step Toward Inclusive Nigeria
This partnership signals a stronger synergy between government institutions and civil society organizations, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to disability inclusion. It builds on ongoing efforts to operationalize the 2018 Disability Act and align with global standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
By joining forces, both institutions are setting the stage for innovative programmes that will not only tackle systemic barriers but also empower persons with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunities.
For the disability community, this agreement is more than a signature on paper—it is a promise of hope, action, and progress.
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