By TQM News Desk
Commission distributes Braille laws, sign-language resources and accessibility materials to government institutions
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has issued a strong call to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to move beyond policy commitments and take concrete action to make public services accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The call came at a Disability Inclusion and Inclusive Materials Distribution Programme held at Jasmine Hotel, Imo State Liaison Office, Abuja, under the theme: “Promoting Disability Inclusion and Accessibility in Public Service Delivery.”
Organised by the Commission’s Social Integration Department, the programme brought together government representatives, organisations of persons with disabilities, consultants and other disability-inclusion stakeholders.
From Policy to Practice
Representing the NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai, said meaningful inclusion must translate into everyday access to public services.
He said the programme was designed not only to distribute inclusive materials but also to equip stakeholders with practical knowledge, promote awareness and strengthen collaboration between the NCPWD and MDAs.
According to the Commission, MDAs must identify accessibility gaps within their institutions and implement practical, affordable and sustainable solutions.
Laws and Accessibility Tools Delivered to MDAs
A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of materials designed to help government institutions understand and implement disability-inclusive practices.
Items distributed included:
• Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018
• Persons with Disabilities Regulations, 2023
• Nigeria Sign Language Dictionary
• Braille version of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018
• Nigeria Sign Language Fingerspelling Alphabet Chart
• Other inclusive and accessibility materials
The technical session, delivered by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, Technical Adviser to the Commission, also featured interactive discussions and demonstrations on the practical use of inclusive materials.
Stakeholders Back NCPWD Initiative
Representing the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Deputy Director Mrs. Realist Rachel Namah reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and foster accessible workplaces.
Also speaking, Mr. Nuhu Saleh, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, commended the NCPWD for supporting MDAs to create more accessible and inclusive work environments.
Mrs. Gloria Victor, Senior Assistant Chief Community Development Officer, Social Integration Department, urged participating institutions to familiarise themselves with disability laws, regulations and guidelines.
She further called on participants to organise step-down training within their respective MDAs so that the knowledge gained would extend beyond those present at the programme.
Accessibility Must Reach the Frontline
The NCPWD concluded the programme by reaffirming that effective collaboration with MDAs remains critical to implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
For millions of Nigerians with disabilities, access to public services is not simply about having a government office or service available. It is about being able to enter, communicate, understand, participate and receive services with dignity and equality.
The Commission’s latest initiative places the responsibility squarely on public institutions to make accessibility part of everyday service delivery—not an afterthought.
