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NCPWD Partners with PSEG to Champion Agricultural Inclusion for Nigeria’s 35 Million PWDs

In a bold stride towards promoting inclusivity in national development, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has entered discussions with the Nigeria Policy Support for Economic Growth (PSEG) on integrating Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into Nigeria’s agricultural policy framework. The initiative aims to empower the 35 million PWDs in Nigeria through agricultural reforms and inclusive policies.

The meeting, held in Abuja, saw the PSEG representative, Professor Oyinkan Tasie, engage with the leadership of the NCPWD to outline a roadmap for collaboration. Prof. Tasie emphasized that the project, implemented by Michigan State University, is designed to create a sustainable, inclusive, and agriculture-led economic growth model that leaves no one behind.

PSEG’s Vision for Inclusive Agriculture

Prof. Tasie revealed that the PSEG initiative is anchored on fostering long-term, inclusive benefits for Nigeria’s economy by incorporating marginalized groups, particularly PWDs, into the agricultural sector. The program seeks to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels, including the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs), to promote evidence-based policy development and implementation.

He explained that PSEG focuses on three strategic objectives:

  1. Policy Formulation and Implementation
    This objective aims to refine the policy process, enabling evidence-based decision-making that supports food security and inclusive agriculture-led economic growth. By bringing PWDs into the fold, PSEG hopes to break barriers that have historically excluded them from the agricultural value chain.
  2. Policy Research
    PSEG plans to generate high-quality, data-driven research to inform policymaking. This will include insights into how women’s agricultural productivity, a critical component of economic growth, can be enhanced.
  3. Policy Advocacy
    Amplifying the voices of key stakeholders—including CSOs, academia, media, and private sector actors—is another cornerstone of the initiative. Advocacy efforts will aim to ensure that the needs of PWDs are prominently featured in public policy processes.

A Commitment to Inclusive Development

Prof. Tasie noted that PWDs are integral to PSEG’s vision, stressing that the agricultural sector holds vast opportunities for empowering marginalized populations. “We want to ensure that the voices of PWDs are not only heard but that their contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural policy are actively implemented,” he stated.

In line with this commitment, PSEG has conducted visits to six focal states—Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara—to assess local needs and identify opportunities for inclusive policy adoption. These states were chosen for their agricultural potential and strategic importance in Nigeria’s food security landscape.

Strengthening Collaboration with NCPWD

The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. James David Lalu, expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as a significant step toward economic empowerment for PWDs. He noted that agriculture remains a key sector for Nigeria’s development, and inclusive policies would create pathways for PWDs to thrive.

“This collaboration with PSEG is timely. It aligns with our mandate to ensure that PWDs are not left out of Nigeria’s developmental agenda. Agriculture offers immense potential for employment, innovation, and self-reliance for PWDs,” Lalu remarked.

Fostering Evidence-Based Policymaking

The Michigan State University-led initiative places a strong emphasis on data and research as the foundation for policymaking. According to Prof. Tasie, rigorous analysis and policy recommendations will address systemic challenges while ensuring that the specific needs of PWDs are reflected in policy frameworks.

By strengthening the capacity of government agencies, private sector players, and CSOs, PSEG hopes to create a more inclusive agricultural ecosystem. This approach, Tasie explained, will not only empower PWDs but also contribute to broader economic stability.

A Call to Action

The NCPWD-PSEG collaboration marks a new chapter in the fight for inclusivity in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Both parties have called on other stakeholders, including state governments, development partners, and advocacy groups, to support the initiative and ensure its success.

With agriculture being a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, integrating PWDs into the sector could unlock untapped potential while fostering equity and sustainability. The discussions between NCPWD and PSEG serve as a reminder that inclusive policies are not just a moral imperative—they are an economic necessity.

As this groundbreaking partnership unfolds, the hope is that it will pave the way for a more inclusive Nigeria, where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has a seat at the table of progress.

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