Abuja, Nigeria — In a determined push for disability rights and inclusivity, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has called for heightened advocacy and awareness around Nigeria’s Disability Act. During a recent meeting held in Abuja, Chief Gufwan expressed concern over the lack of widespread understanding and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which was enacted in 2018 to protect the rights of persons with disabilities across the country.
Chief Gufwan’s remarks came during a visit from members of a newly established Inter-Ministerial Committee on Disability Rights Advocacy, a body formed by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Led by senior officials from both the NCPWD and the Federal Ministry of Information, the committee is focused on amplifying advocacy for disability rights and integrating these efforts across all government agencies. This cross-ministry initiative, created by the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, aligns closely with the provisions of the Disability Act and promises to unify government efforts towards a more inclusive Nigeria.
“The establishment of this committee is a monumental step towards ensuring disability rights are at the forefront of Nigeria’s national agenda,” Chief Gufwan said. “By bringing together multiple government agencies, we can create a unified, coordinated approach that promotes inclusivity and fosters a society where persons with disabilities are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Expiration of Compliance Moratorium Raises Urgency for Action
Chief Gufwan also underscored the urgency for awareness, noting that the Act’s five-year compliance moratorium expired earlier this year. This expiration signifies that all public institutions and private facility owners must now be in full compliance with the Act’s provisions, including making buildings, transportation, and other public services accessible to persons with disabilities.
“It is critical for both government bodies and private sectors to recognize that the deadline for compliance has passed,” Gufwan emphasized. “There is no longer an excuse for inaccessibility in public spaces. Nigeria’s 35.5 million persons with disabilities deserve a nation that prioritizes their access, mobility, and safety.”
Chief Gufwan’s appeal comes amid concerns over ongoing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing essential services. In the absence of compliance, countless individuals are still unable to participate fully in public life, from navigating government offices to using transportation services and accessing basic amenities. This challenge has prompted the NCPWD to double its efforts in monitoring compliance and enforcing the Act’s provisions, working with both public and private sectors to create accessible spaces across Nigeria.
Ministry of Information Pledges Full Support for Disability Rights Advocacy
In a show of solidarity, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Information, confirmed the Ministry’s dedication to advancing disability rights and supporting the newly formed committee’s goals. During the meeting, Dr. Haruna presented a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the Ministry’s approach to raising awareness and advocating for full implementation of the Disability Act.
“Our commitment goes beyond words. We are actively working to ensure that the principles of the Disability Act are not only recognized but fully implemented across Nigeria,” Dr. Haruna stated. “This committee is equipped with a roadmap that will guide us in creating an environment where persons with disabilities feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Empowering Compliance and Enforcement through Advocacy
The NCPWD has taken significant strides in recent years to advance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, and Chief Gufwan reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to “changing the narrative” through advocacy, education, and stringent enforcement of the Act. According to Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, NCPWD’s Director of Enforcement and Compliance, the newly formed committee will be instrumental in this mission.
“Awareness is essential, but enforcement is equally critical,” Barr. Uchegbulam explained. “The Federal Ministry of Information’s involvement is vital, as it has the unique capacity to shape public understanding and generate a culture of inclusivity.”
The meeting served as a platform for both agencies to discuss coordinated strategies for promoting the Disability Act, including media campaigns, community engagement programs, and collaborations with private sector entities to foster a society that champions accessibility and inclusivity. Uchegbulam emphasized that the Commission will actively monitor compliance while continuing to provide support to organizations seeking to make their services and facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Path Forward: A Collaborative Approach to Building an Inclusive Nigeria
As Nigeria moves forward, the NCPWD’s mission to create a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities requires more than government action; it demands collaboration from all levels of society, including civil society organizations, media outlets, educational institutions, and community leaders. Chief Gufwan called on these stakeholders to rally around the cause of inclusivity, stressing that the responsibility to protect the rights of persons with disabilities is a collective one.
“Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity must be reflected in every sphere of society, from public policy to private businesses and community programs,” Chief Gufwan noted. “With the expiration of the moratorium, the time for action is now. By working together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to lead a dignified, fulfilling life.”
As the NCPWD and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation work in tandem, the creation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee signals a bold step towards achieving a truly inclusive society. The Commission remains steadfast in its efforts to champion the rights of Nigeria’s disability community, advocating for full compliance with the Disability Act, and transforming the vision of a barrier-free Nigeria into reality.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels I
Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
