By Agbo Christian Obiora
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has inaugurated a landmark platform designed to unify and strengthen disability governance structures across Nigeria — the National Forum for Heads of Disability Commissions and Agencies.
The two-day inauguration workshop, held on October 27th and 28th, 2025, brought together an array of distinguished participants — including heads of state disability commissions and agencies, representatives of civil society, development partners, and key government officials — all converging to chart a more coordinated and effective path toward disability inclusion nationwide.
Declaring the event open, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the inauguration as a “historic milestone in Nigeria’s disability inclusion journey.” He emphasized that the creation of the Forum marks a new chapter in the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to the rights, dignity, and participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“This gathering brings together the leadership of state-level disability commissions and agencies — our strategic partners in translating the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, into meaningful action at every level of governance,” Gufwan stated.
“The success of our national mandate depends not only on federal initiatives but on strong, functional, and empowered state institutions.”
According to the NCPWD boss, the newly inaugurated Forum will serve as a platform for coordination, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among state commissions, ensuring harmonization of policies, standards, and strategies that advance disability inclusion across the federation.
He explained that the Forum’s establishment is a response to the growing need for synergy between national and sub-national disability institutions to effectively address gaps in policy implementation, data collection, inclusive budgeting, and service delivery.
Towards Unified Disability Governance
Gufwan recalled that since the establishment of the NCPWD in 2020, the Commission has worked tirelessly to promote inclusion and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in all sectors of national life. However, he noted that sustainable success can only be achieved when all states actively align with the national disability framework.
“Our dream of a disability-inclusive Nigeria cannot be realized without the synergy and shared vision of each state’s disability commission or agency,” he said.
“The Forum we are inaugurating today will help ensure that no state or region is left behind in the national disability inclusion movement.”
The two-day workshop, which marks the operational take-off of the Forum, is designed to deepen discussions on strengthening institutional capacity, aligning state policies with national frameworks, and promoting inclusive budgeting and data-driven decision-making.
Other focal areas include collaboration with civil society, development partners, and the private sector, as well as ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in governance and policy formulation.
Partners, Lawmakers, and Governors Commended
In his welcome address, Gufwan extended heartfelt appreciation to development partners — both national and international — for their unwavering support in advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria. He particularly acknowledged institutions such as International IDEA, among others, for their technical and financial contributions to the success of the Forum.
He also commended Honourable Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and members of the National Assembly for their continued advocacy for disability rights and inclusive legislation.
Special recognition was also given to state governors who have established disability commissions or agencies in their respective states, for taking bold steps toward institutionalizing inclusion at the grassroots.
“To those states still in the process of establishing their commissions, we look forward to working closely with you to accelerate this important step,” he added.
A New Chapter for Disability Inclusion
Highlighting the significance of the Forum, Gufwan described it as more than an administrative coordination mechanism — he called it “a living platform for dialogue, innovation, and sustained progress.”
He noted that the Forum represents a shift from rhetoric to accountability and from isolated actions to a system-driven, collaborative approach that guarantees consistency and measurable impact in disability governance.
“Today is not just an inauguration,” Gufwan emphasized. “It is the beginning of a new chapter in disability governance in Nigeria — a chapter that emphasizes partnership over isolation, systems over silos, and accountability over rhetoric.”
He urged participants to take ownership of the process, contribute innovative ideas, and commit to strategies that will shape a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria for all.
“Inclusion is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice and an investment in national development,” he declared.
Looking Ahead
As deliberations continue over the two-day workshop, participants are expected to produce actionable resolutions that will guide the Forum’s operations and strengthen collaboration between the NCPWD and state disability agencies.
The Forum is also expected to establish clear communication frameworks, harmonized policy guidelines, and a unified monitoring mechanism to track the progress of disability inclusion initiatives across all 36 states and the FCT.
The inauguration of the National Forum for Heads of Disability Commissions and Agencies thus stands as a defining moment in Nigeria’s disability inclusion architecture — one that promises to foster unity of purpose, enhance accountability, and amplify the voices of persons with disabilities across every state of the federation.
As the curtains rise on this new era, the message from the NCPWD is clear: the journey to a truly inclusive Nigeria has entered a stronger, more coordinated phase — and no person with disability will be left behind.
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