In a renewed push to advance disability inclusion nationwide, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has taken a major step by strengthening its collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA). This followed a high-level courtesy visit by the Commission to NOA’s Headquarters in Abuja—an engagement that could reshape the national conversation on disability rights, awareness, and enforcement of existing laws.
The NCPWD delegation, led by its Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, was warmly received by the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside senior officials of the agency. The meeting centered on a shared objective: promoting deeper national understanding and full-scale implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which has now fully come into force following the expiration of its five-year moratorium.
A Call for Stronger Enforcement and National Disability Database
Hon. Gufwan emphasized that Nigeria has reached a critical point where disability laws can no longer remain on paper. With the moratorium over, enforcement must become the priority.
He noted that effective implementation of the Disability Act requires more than goodwill—it demands robust data, accessible environments, and adherence to the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities across government institutions.
“The mandate of the Commission is to promote inclusion, ensure equal opportunities, and guarantee the participation of persons with disabilities in every sector—education, healthcare, employment, and national life,” he stated.
“To achieve this, Nigeria urgently needs a comprehensive National Disability Database, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and full implementation of accessibility standards nationwide.”
Drawing from global examples, Hon. Gufwan highlighted how other nations have advanced disability inclusion through better funding, data-driven planning, and strict compliance culture. Nigeria, he stressed, must take a similar path to ensure no citizen is left behind, reaffirming the global disability mantra: “Nothing for us without us.”
NOA Pledges Nationwide Sensitization, Accessibility and Behavioral Change Campaigns
In his response, NOA’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, reiterated the Agency’s unwavering commitment to advancing disability rights and promoting national attitudinal change.
He emphasized that empowerment begins with awareness, not handouts.
“The greatest form of empowerment is not giving money but enabling people to understand and demand their rights. The Commission cannot do it alone; it requires collective responsibility,” he said.
“This is not only about data—it is about ensuring accessibility, enforcing compliance, and making sure every Nigerian institution respects the dignity of persons with disabilities.”
Mallam Issa-Onilu disclosed that NOA’s expansive network—818 offices across the 774 LGAs and its zonal directorates—places it in a unique position to drive public enlightenment and grassroots sensitization on disability rights.
He also announced that NOA will intensify awareness campaigns on disability inclusion, integrate sign language interpretation into its programmes, and amplify disability rights messages across its platforms to reach millions of Nigerians.
A Joint Technical Committee to Drive Strategic National Action
A major outcome of the meeting was the formation of a Joint Technical Committee between NCPWD and NOA. The committee is tasked with developing actionable strategies to:
Strengthen enforcement of the Disability Act
Promote disability inclusion in all public institutions
Expand national awareness and behavior change campaigns
Ensure accessible information for persons with disabilities
Create an inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is marginalized
The Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, applauded NOA for already introducing sign language interpretation in some of its campaigns. He further appealed for a monthly national awareness slot for the Commission to communicate its activities and services to the public.
A Renewed Partnership for a More Inclusive Nigeria
The meeting concluded with an exchange of publications and documents between both agencies—symbolizing renewed commitment, strengthened collaboration, and a shared national vision for disability inclusion.
As both agencies move into joint action, stakeholders are optimistic that this partnership will accelerate the long-awaited enforcement of disability rights, expand nationwide enlightenment, and deepen inclusion across all sectors.
The renewed collaboration between NCPWD and NOA signals a powerful message: Nigeria is ready to take disability inclusion beyond policy statements and translate them into visible, measurable change.
