A New Dawn for Inclusive Development in Nigeria
By Agbo Christian Obiora
Abuja, Nigeria — October 14, 2025
A powerful wave of support is surging toward the forthcoming Nigeria National Disability Summit (NNDS) 2025, as international development partners, government institutions, and civil society organizations unite behind the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to champion the cause of inclusive development in Nigeria.
The Summit, themed “Inclusive Nigeria: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development,” is scheduled to hold from October 29 to 30, 2025, in Abuja, and is fast shaping up to become a landmark national event that will redefine Nigeria’s approach to disability inclusion and participatory governance.
Organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the high-profile Summit is being supported by global development institutions including the German and Swiss Governments, the European Union (EU) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the International IDEA Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, and Sightsavers.
A Collective Push for Inclusive Governance
The 2025 National Disability Summit will bring together a broad coalition of stakeholders — from government agencies, private sector leaders, and international donors, to civil society organizations and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). Together, they aim to chart a strategic roadmap toward a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible Nigeria.
According to the NCPWD, the event will deepen national dialogue on inclusive policymaking, evaluate Nigeria’s progress on commitments made at the Global Disability Summit (GDS), and develop actionable strategies for advancing participation and accessibility across all sectors — from education, health, and employment to digital innovation and infrastructure development.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, emphasized that the Summit would serve as a national rallying point to dismantle barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from fully contributing to national growth.
“The National Disability Summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and address the challenges that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities,” Hon. Gufwan stated.
“It presents a renewed opportunity to align our collective efforts toward building a truly inclusive Nigeria — one where every citizen, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Strengthening the Legal and Policy Framework
Since the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, Nigeria has made commendable legislative and institutional progress. Yet, implementation remains inconsistent — with only 23 states having domesticated the law and 15 states establishing functional disability agencies.
To bridge these gaps and ensure more coordinated implementation, the 2025 Summit will witness the official launch of the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies (NAFDCA) — a groundbreaking intergovernmental coordination platform designed to strengthen collaboration across federal and state disability structures.
Hon. Gufwan disclosed that the NCPWD envisions making the Summit an annual national event, reflecting the growing national and international interest in Nigeria’s disability inclusion agenda.
“With the rising concerns around accessibility, education, health, and economic inclusion, this Summit seeks to identify sustainable solutions that will improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians with disabilities,” he said.
Development Partners Endorse the Vision
Development partners have also expressed resounding support for the initiative, describing the Summit as a defining moment for Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive development.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria, commended the NCPWD for taking leadership in advancing the disability inclusion discourse.
“This forthcoming Summit should be seen as more than just a gathering,” he said.
“It is an essential step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can actively participate in Nigeria’s development. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice and opportunity.”
On her part, Professor Joy Shuaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, lauded the choice of the Summit’s theme, saying it aligns with Sightsavers’ long-term mission of equal participation.
“The choice of the theme ‘Inclusive Nigeria’ is very apt and aligns with Sightsavers’ vision of a society where all individuals, including persons with disabilities, can participate fully and equally in matters of health, education, leadership, and livelihood,” she remarked.
Also lending her voice, the Project Manager, Access to Justice, under the International IDEA Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, underscored the importance of collective efforts in transforming policy commitments into tangible results.
“Our partnership with the NCPWD reflects our shared belief that inclusion must be embedded in governance systems, policies, and institutions. The 2025 Summit offers a unique opportunity to translate commitments into measurable outcomes,” she noted.
Nigeria’s Disability Landscape — Progress and Promise
With an estimated 35.5 million persons with disabilities, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward full inclusion. While legislative frameworks have been established, persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and political participation.
The Summit will serve as a convergence point for reviewing existing gaps and fostering collaboration among key actors to unlock economic and social opportunities for persons with disabilities nationwide.
Planned activities include interactive panel discussions, thematic workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovative technologies and inclusive solutions designed to enhance accessibility and empowerment.
Looking Ahead: Building a Truly Inclusive Nigeria
For many observers, the National Disability Summit 2025 symbolizes more than a dialogue — it represents a movement toward shared accountability and collective action. By bringing together government, development partners, and the disability community under one roof, the Summit is set to inspire policy reforms and drive national consciousness on inclusion.
As Hon. Gufwan succinctly put it:
“The time has come for Nigeria to move beyond promises and frameworks — toward real, measurable change that ensures no one is left behind.”
The National Disability Summit (NNDS) 2025 will take place in Abuja from October 29 to 30, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
With growing national attention and international endorsement, all eyes are now on the NCPWD as it leads Nigeria into what could become a historic turning point in the country’s journey toward equality, accessibility, and sustainable inclusion.
