Abuja, Nigeria – June 21, 2024 – In a landmark move set to revolutionize the landscape of disability support in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) have taken significant strides towards enhancing data integration for persons with disabilities(PWDs). This collaborative effort marks a pivotal moment in the quest for comprehensive and effective social support systems.
The initiative follows a highly successful workshop on data mapping organized by the NCPWD, which underscored the urgent need for streamlined data collection and management tailored to the unique needs of persons with disabilities. This workshop set the stage for today’s crucial meeting between NASSCO, led by Kabir M. Abdullahi, and Dr. James David Lalu, PhD, NPOM, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD.
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the importance of a standardized data collection tool specifically designed for the Nigerian context. This tool aims to gather detailed information on the living conditions and specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. The goal is to create a robust and inclusive database that accurately reflects the diverse experiences of this community, thereby facilitating better planning and targeted interventions.
Kabir M. Abdullahi from NASSCO shared the office’s ambitious efforts to integrate a digital public infrastructure into their database system. This integration is poised to revolutionize the way data is managed and utilized. Each beneficiary will be provided with a verifiable identity that includes essential details such as name, telephone number, wallet, and job permit. Crucially, this system will be linked with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure seamless verification processes.
“This digital integration will not only streamline our data management but also ensure that every beneficiary is accurately identified and accounted for,” Abdullahi explained. “It will enable us to provide proof of life for beneficiaries, ensuring that support reaches the intended recipients and significantly enhancing fund tracking and accountability.”
The meeting underscored the commitment of both organizations to work closely together in achieving these goals. The synchronization of their efforts is expected to yield a wealth of accurate data, which will be instrumental in formulating better policies and delivering more effective support for persons with disabilities.
Dr. James David Lalu emphasized the profound importance of this partnership. “The collaboration between NCPWD and NASSCO is a testament to our dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities,” he stated. “Effective data management and service delivery are critical components of our mission, and this initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our support systems are both efficient and inclusive.”
The standardized data collection tool being developed will cover all aspects of the living conditions and needs of persons with disabilities, from healthcare and education to employment and social services. This comprehensive approach aims to capture the multifaceted nature of disability, providing a clearer picture of the challenges faced by individuals and enabling more targeted and effective interventions.
Moreover, the integration of digital public infrastructure into NASSCO’s database is expected to streamline the identification process, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often impede access to social benefits. By linking with the NIMC, the system will facilitate quick and accurate verification, ensuring that benefits are distributed promptly and to the correct individuals.
This innovative approach also promises to enhance transparency and accountability within the system. With the ability to track funds and verify beneficiaries’ identities in real-time, NASSCO and NCPWD can ensure that resources are used effectively and reach those who need them most.
The collaboration between NCPWD and NASSCO is a beacon of hope for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It signals a future where their rights and needs are met with greater precision and care, driven by accurate data and a commitment to inclusivity. As both organizations continue to work hand-in-hand, the impact of this initiative will likely resonate far and wide, setting a new standard for social support systems in Nigeria.
Saleh Faruq Gagarawa
Head, New Media
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
