By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a bold step towards strengthening disability inclusion in Nigeria, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has sought a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the effective implementation of disability-related projects in the 2025 fiscal year.
During a high-level engagement with the Ministry, the Program Manager of CCD, Peace Ezekiel, who represented the Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in disability advocacy, particularly through the Special Needs Department. She lauded the Ministry’s unwavering support for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and its open-door policy for engaging with the disability community, which reflects the exceptional leadership of the Honourable Minister, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Strong Budgetary Provisions for PWDs in 2025
CCD acknowledged the robust disability-inclusive provisions in the 2025 national budget as a significant step towards improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. The organization highlighted key projects, such as:
- The Purchase of Empowerment Kits and Special Interventions on Accessibility Facilities at the Farmcraft Centres.
- The Provision of Six Braille Presses and Libraries across the six geopolitical zones to improve access to education for visually impaired persons.
- The Supply of Assistive Technologies and Equipment aimed at enhancing learning and empowerment opportunities for PWDs to foster self-reliance.
Ezekiel emphasized that these initiatives, if effectively implemented, would significantly uplift the disability community and ensure improved social and economic integration. She also recognized other Ministries, including the Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, for integrating disability considerations into their budgets.
CCD’s Track Record and Commitment to Disability Advocacy
For over 22 years, CCD has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s disability landscape through legal frameworks, policy implementation, and advocacy for compliance. Among its current projects, CCD is working on:
- Ensuring the inclusion of PWDs in the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) across nine Niger Delta states.
- Promoting disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Abia State.
- Enhancing civic space for persons with disabilities in Lagos State.
CCD expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to address critical areas essential to achieving a truly disability-inclusive Nigeria that meets global best practices.
Key Areas for Collaboration
- Strengthening Implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act, 2018
- CCD raised concerns about the poor domestication and implementation of the Act in some states, particularly in the North and South-South regions.
- The organization urged the Ministry to champion the full implementation of the Act and enforce compliance mechanisms in collaboration with reputable disability-focused organizations.
- Active Participation in 2025 Projects
- CCD expressed its strong interest in contributing to the Ministry’s planned activities and projects for 2025.
- The organization called for inclusion in key programs such as the establishment of a National Council for Social Work Regulatory Act, implementation of value chain empowerment for PWDs, and development of the National Humanitarian Response Plan 2025.
- Capacity Building for Government Officials and PWDs
- CCD proposed training programs to equip government officials with knowledge on disability rights and inclusion.
- It emphasized the need for a structured training approach to maximize the effectiveness of the ₦50 million research and development grant for PWDs.
- Accessibility in Public Infrastructure and Services
- CCD proposed offering professional expertise in ensuring that public infrastructure and services are disability-inclusive.
- It commended the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Energy Commission of Nigeria for taking steps toward modifying their infrastructure to accommodate PWDs.
- The organization recommended conducting disability audits across MDAs to inform the 2026 budget.
CCD also requested to be integrated into all Ministry-led projects, programs, and activities for PWDs, while urging the Ministry to assign a designated contact person to enhance communication and participation in CCD events.
Minister’s Response: Commitment to Due Process
Responding to the CCD delegation, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, commended the organization for its dedication and assured that the Ministry is open to collaboration. However, he emphasized that any partnership must adhere to procurement laws, particularly regarding capital projects.
“We involve Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in procurement planning, but we do not engage them in the implementation. During budget formulation, we consult stakeholders to understand their needs and integrate them into our budget. We then conduct sampling among key stakeholders in the disability community for their input,” the Minister stated.
He further explained that while the proposed budget contains strong provisions for PWDs, the final approval by the National Assembly is pending, and adjustments may be made before implementation.
“We have to wait for the National Assembly’s approval of our budget lines. They may add or remove certain allocations, and until we receive the final version, we won’t know the exact scope of projects we will execute,” he clarified.
Global Engagements for Enhanced Implementation
In closing, Prof. Yilwatda revealed that the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the Global Disability Summit in Dubai, while he himself will head a team to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in New York.
These international engagements, he noted, would provide valuable insights and best practices, which will be applied to strengthen the Ministry’s disability-related programs upon their return.
Conclusion
The meeting between CCD and the Ministry marked a significant step toward a more inclusive governance structure for PWDs in Nigeria. While challenges remain, the dialogue underscored the shared commitment to fostering an environment where PWDs can thrive.
As the country awaits the final approval of the 2025 budget, all eyes will be on how these proposed disability-focused projects unfold and whether they will translate into tangible benefits for the disability community.
