In a significant step toward inclusive disaster response in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have solidified a strategic partnership to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are adequately protected and supported during emergencies.
This renewed collaboration was officially sealed during a high-level courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, to the NEMA Headquarters in Abuja, where both agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing disability-inclusive emergency planning and humanitarian response.
A Timely and Necessary Partnership
With the frequency and severity of emergencies—such as floods, armed conflict, and displacement—rising across the country, Hon. Gufwan underscored the urgency of intentional planning to address the vulnerabilities of Persons with Disabilities who often bear the brunt of such crises.
“Emergency situations are not only unpredictable but often exacerbate the marginalization of persons with disabilities,” he stated. “Strengthening our partnership with NEMA is not just important—it’s vital. Inclusive emergency responses save lives, and we must ensure PWDs are not left behind in the race to provide aid.”
Hon. Gufwan applauded NEMA for its support in recent years, particularly during flood responses in states such as Borno, Kano, Sokoto, and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that the successful delivery of relief materials to affected PWDs during those emergencies stands as a testament to what collaborative efforts can achieve.
“We appreciate NEMA’s unwavering support, and as the population of PWDs in Nigeria continues to grow, this partnership must evolve to be even more robust, proactive, and data-driven,” he said.
NEMA’s Commitment to Inclusion
Responding to the visit, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, warmly welcomed the Executive Secretary and his team, and used the opportunity to highlight the agency’s growing commitment to disability inclusion in all areas of disaster management.
“From the onset of my administration, I made it clear that no emergency response can be considered complete if it excludes Persons with Disabilities,” Mrs. Umar declared. “We have not only provided material support in emergencies but have taken deliberate steps to engage with PWDs, visit their communities, and understand their unique needs firsthand.”
She disclosed that NEMA has begun integrating disability-focused strategies into its national operational plans and budget lines—marking a shift toward more inclusive institutional frameworks. These strategies include the provision of assistive devices, support services, and the establishment of accessible communication channels during emergencies.
“We are committed to creating a humanitarian system where PWDs are not afterthoughts but are central to the planning and delivery of aid,” she said.
The Data Imperative
In a crucial recommendation, Mrs. Umar called on NCPWD to lead efforts in developing a reliable national database of Persons with Disabilities. She noted that accurate data is foundational for effective disaster planning and equitable resource allocation.
“Data is the backbone of every impactful intervention. Without it, we risk missing those most in need,” she added. “Developing a comprehensive, up-to-date registry of PWDs across Nigeria will be a lasting legacy of this collaboration.”
Charting a Way Forward
The courtesy visit concluded with a mutual pledge by both agencies to continue working together to build a more inclusive and resilient emergency response architecture—one that aligns with Nigeria’s domestic disability laws and its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights instruments.
Experts and stakeholders have praised this partnership as a model for disability-inclusive governance. With Nigeria being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the African Charter, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, this joint effort is expected to pave the way for systematic, inclusive, and sustainable emergency responses in the years ahead.
As the climate crisis, conflict, and public health threats intensify globally, this alliance between NCPWD and NEMA sends a powerful message: no emergency response is complete until it safeguards the rights and lives of all Nigerians—including those with disabilities.
