In a determined move to advance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), led by its Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has presented a bold vision for 2025. On January 23, 2025, the commission successfully defended its 2024 budget performance while unveiling a proposed budget of ₦2,103,094,169.00 for 2025 before the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters.
The proposed 2025 budget underscores the commission’s commitment to driving impactful initiatives tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Key programs highlighted include the Disability Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme and the Gender and Development Programme for Women with Disabilities. These programs are pivotal to addressing systemic barriers and ensuring socio-economic inclusion for PWDs in Nigeria.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The 2025 proposed budget allocation includes:
- Personnel Costs: ₦294,169,000
- Overhead Costs: ₦763,256,207.00
- Capital Expenditure: ₦1,045,668,671
This comprehensive breakdown reflects the commission’s strategic approach to addressing both operational and developmental needs. The capital expenditure, for instance, prioritizes initiatives aimed at empowering PWDs and fostering inclusivity at all levels.
Power Supply and Operational Challenges
While presenting the budget, Hon. Gufwan candidly addressed the operational hurdles faced by the commission, particularly the challenges posed by unreliable power supply. He revealed that the NCPWD has had to rely heavily on alternative energy sources such as generators, which have significantly strained the commission’s financial resources.
“Despite allocations, we still face substantial challenges in sustaining basic operations due to inconsistent power supply. These additional costs strain our resources and hinder effective service delivery,” Hon. Gufwan remarked.
This challenge, he noted, underscores the importance of adequate funding and timely budgetary releases to ensure the commission achieves its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and delivers on its mandate.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Budget Implementation
During the session, members of the House Committee on Disability Matters expressed concerns about systemic delays in securing budget releases from the Budget Office and the growing impact of wage awards and salary adjustments on personnel costs.
Hon. Gufwan assured the committee that the proposed budget was meticulously calculated based on the current nominal rolls and projected expenses as of December 2024. However, he stressed the critical role of timely and sufficient funding in achieving the commission’s goals.
“Performance depends largely on releases. Without adequate funding, key initiatives will be stifled. We appeal to this committee to advocate for timely and sufficient releases to enable us to meet our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliver meaningful results to the disability community,” he added.
Pushing for Inclusion and Development
The NCPWD’s proposed programs for 2025 are designed to leave no one behind. The Disability Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme aims to create opportunities for PWDs to thrive economically, while the Gender and Development Programme targets the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. These initiatives align with Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Earlier this month, the NCPWD defended its 2024 and proposed 2025 budgets before the Senate Committee on Special Duties. Similar discussions revolved around resource allocation, performance, and the commission’s capacity to meet the growing needs of the disability community.
A Call for Collaboration and Support
Hon. Gufwan expressed gratitude for the support the commission has received from the National Assembly, describing it as instrumental in driving disability advocacy and development in Nigeria. He called for continued collaboration to address the persistent challenges facing the commission, particularly in resource allocation and operational efficiency.
As the NCPWD awaits the final approval of its 2025 budget, it remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the lives of persons with disabilities. The commission’s focus on strategic programs, advocacy, and partnerships serves as a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians with disabilities who are counting on these initiatives to foster inclusion and equality.
Looking Ahead
With a clear roadmap for 2025, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is poised to make significant strides in empowering the disability community. However, achieving this vision will require unwavering support from lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public.
The proposed ₦2.1 billion budget is not just a financial plan—it is a statement of intent to create a more inclusive Nigeria where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
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