In a renewed push for economic inclusion, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has intensified its advocacy for the deliberate integration of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into federal government empowerment programmes, describing access to livelihood support as a critical pathway to dignity, independence, and poverty reduction.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ayuba Gufwan, made this known on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, when he led a high-powered management delegation to the office of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programmes (GEEP) at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction headquarters in Abuja.
“Over 35 Million Nigerians Cannot Be Left Behind”
Addressing officials during the visit, Gufwan noted that Nigeria’s disability population—estimated at over 35 million—represents a significant demographic whose economic realities must not be ignored.
According to him, the Commission is actively scouting for every available opportunity to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only captured but prioritized in empowerment initiatives designed to improve livelihoods across the country.
“We are committed to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are not sidelined in government empowerment schemes. Economic empowerment is not charity; it is a right and a tool for restoring dignity and self-reliance,” he emphasized.
He stressed that forging a formidable working relationship with GEEP would help actualize one of the Commission’s core mandates—facilitating inclusive access to socio-economic opportunities for the disability community.
The Executive Secretary also appealed to GEEP to work closely with the Commission on any programme affecting PWDs. He cautioned that bypassing the statutory body established to protect disability rights could lead to duplication of efforts, confusion, and exclusion of genuine beneficiaries.
“We are the recognized government institution interfacing with the disability community. We will carry out due diligence in mobilizing and profiling eligible persons to ensure transparency and impact,” he assured.
GEEP Reaffirms Commitment to Vulnerable Groups
Responding, the National Programme Manager of GEEP, Hamza Ibrahim Baba, appreciated the Executive Secretary and his team for the strategic visit, describing the engagement as timely and forward-looking.
Baba explained that GEEP was designed to alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, he noted, vulnerable groups—including persons with disabilities—have been placed at the forefront of government intervention frameworks.
He assured the Commission of maximum cooperation to ensure that eligible PWDs benefit from GEEP’s three flagship programmes:
- FarmerMoni
- MarketMoni
- TraderMoni
FarmerMoni Takes Centre Stage
While outlining the current status of the programmes, Baba revealed that available resources at the moment are being channeled into FarmerMoni, specifically targeting individuals engaged in farming activities.
He urged the Commission to encourage eligible persons with disabilities who are involved in agriculture to apply online for selection into the scheme.
Importantly, he clarified that the financial support is not a grant but an interest-free loan repayable within one year. The facility comes with a three-month moratorium before repayment begins.
“The loan is structured with 0% interest and is disbursed to cooperative groups for easy monitoring and effective assessment,” he said.
FarmerMoni, he added, has nationwide coverage spanning all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.
Beyond Loans: A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
For disability advocates, the visit signals more than inter-agency collaboration—it represents a potential turning point in mainstreaming disability inclusion within Nigeria’s economic recovery and poverty alleviation strategies.
Access to soft loans, especially within the agricultural value chain, could provide thousands of PWD farmers with the capital needed to scale production, improve income, and break cycles of dependency.
Both parties concluded the meeting by pledging to sustain a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at strengthening inclusivity and improving the socio-economic condition of persons with disabilities nationwide.
As Nigeria continues its battle against poverty and unemployment, the message from NCPWD is clear: economic empowerment must be inclusive, intentional, and accessible—because leaving over 35 million citizens behind is neither equitable nor sustainable.
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