The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, strict enforcement of the Disability Act, and inclusive governance as it received the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) at its headquarters in Abuja.

The courtesy visit, led by JONAPWD National President, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, alongside the National Secretary and the President of the Leprosy Cluster, provided a platform for frank engagement on pressing issues affecting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.

Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described JONAPWD as the legitimate umbrella body for all disability clusters in Nigeria, stressing that unity remains the strongest tool for advancing disability rights.

“We make the greatest progress when we speak with one voice. Unity among all disability clusters strengthens our advocacy and accelerates the realization of our collective rights and welfare,” Gufwan said.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s statutory responsibility to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of PWDs in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, stressing zero tolerance for discrimination, exclusion, and neglect.

Commending the leadership of the Commission, Mr. Usman praised Hon. Gufwan for his commitment to disability inclusion and appealed for deeper collaboration and the meaningful inclusion of JONAPWD in NCPWD programmes, policies, and strategic engagements affecting PWDs nationwide.

The JONAPWD National Secretary drew attention to persistent challenges faced by PWDs, particularly the poor implementation of the mandatory 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities. He urged NCPWD to intensify compliance monitoring, investigate violations, and ensure qualified PWDs are properly placed in both public and private institutions.

In response, Hon. Gufwan reiterated the Commission’s resolve to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, noting that concrete steps are already underway. He cited notable progress, including the University of Lafia’s 75% tuition subsidy for students with disabilities, and challenged other institutions to emulate such inclusive practices.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized the urgent need to establish a National Disability Council, describing it as a proven structure for effective disability governance in other countries. He underscored the importance of sustained stakeholder support, adequate funding, and strong political will to enable the Commission to fully discharge its mandate.

Addressing concerns about performance, Gufwan explained that limited achievements recorded in the previous year were largely due to funding constraints, particularly the capital-heavy structure of budgetary allocations. He assured stakeholders that the Commission intends to activate lawful provisions of the Disability Act that allow for internal revenue generation to boost operations.

The meeting was attended by top management staff of the Commission, including Mrs. Chinwe Eze, Human Resource Manager; Barr. Nkem Uchebulam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement; and Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration, who all reaffirmed NCPWD’s commitment to partnership, enforcement, and the protection of the dignity and rights of PWDs.

Both NCPWD and JONAPWD concluded the engagement with a shared resolve to sustain collaboration and build an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind.