By TQM News
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria by strengthening collaboration with development partners and key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of its 2026 Work Plan.
At a high-level round-table stakeholders’ engagement held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, stressed that achieving meaningful and sustainable disability inclusion requires collective action, effective coordination, and strategic partnerships among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and disability-focused groups.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai, the Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
He noted that the continued support of partner organisations demonstrates a shared vision of building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and full participation in national development.
“On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Commission, I sincerely thank you for honouring our invitation and for your unwavering support in promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Your presence here today reaffirms our shared determination to build a society in which persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and participate fully in national development,” Agwai said on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
He described the meeting as both timely and strategic, emphasizing that disability inclusion cannot be achieved in isolation. According to him, sustained progress depends on continuous engagement, reliable data, coordinated implementation of programmes, and strong institutional partnerships.
Agwai explained that the stakeholder engagement provided an opportunity to review the Commission’s progress, assess the implementation of ongoing programmes, identify existing challenges, and collectively develop practical solutions that will accelerate the delivery of the Commission’s priority initiatives in 2026.
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the Commission’s renewed focus on developing the National Disability Management Information System (NDMIS), a flagship initiative expected to transform disability data management in Nigeria.
According to the Commission, the proposed system will establish a comprehensive and integrated national database containing credible and up-to-date information on persons with disabilities. Such data, officials said, will support evidence-based policy formulation, improve planning, strengthen programme implementation, facilitate monitoring and evaluation, and enhance accountability in disability inclusion efforts.
Beyond serving as a data repository, the NDMIS is expected to improve government decision-making, enable better resource allocation, and strengthen the Commission’s capacity to monitor compliance with disability policies and programmes across the country.
Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the initiative, noting that accurate disability data has remained one of the biggest challenges affecting planning and service delivery for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Representatives from several development organisations also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of ECOWAS, Sightsavers, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, RedAid Nigeria, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and other partner organisations, all of whom pledged continued collaboration to deepen disability inclusion and improve the lives of persons with disabilities nationwide.
The meeting brought together officials of the Commission, representatives of international development organisations, civil society partners, and disability inclusion stakeholders committed to advancing equal opportunities and promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The engagement further underscored the importance of partnerships in implementing the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which guarantees equal rights, accessibility, and protection against discrimination for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward a more inclusive society, stakeholders agreed that stronger collaboration, improved disability data, and effective implementation of the Commission’s programmes will be critical to ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities reiterated its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to translate policies into tangible outcomes that improve access to education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, social protection, and other essential services for millions of persons with disabilities across the country.
