ABUJA, Nigeria – In a significant move aimed at advancing disability inclusion and improving evidence-based planning in Nigeria, RedAid Nigeria has pledged to support the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in strengthening disability data collection and reviewing the Commission’s strategic development framework.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by a delegation from RedAid Nigeria to the headquarters of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, where they were received by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan.
The visit underscored the growing collaboration between civil society organizations and government institutions in promoting the rights, inclusion, and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Gufwan welcomed the RedAid Nigeria team and commended the organization for its commitment to supporting the Commission’s mandate of protecting and promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He emphasized that one of the Commission’s top priorities is the development of a comprehensive and reliable disability database through the Nigeria Disability Information Management System (NDIMS). According to him, the initiative is designed to provide accurate, credible, and up-to-date information on Persons with Disabilities nationwide, thereby addressing one of the long-standing challenges confronting disability-inclusive planning in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary noted that the successful implementation of NDIMS would be carried out in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, organizations of persons with disabilities, and other critical stakeholders.
He explained that the availability of quality disability data remains indispensable for effective governance, evidence-based policy formulation, equitable resource allocation, and the design of programmes that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities.
“Reliable disability data is the foundation of inclusive development,” Hon. Gufwan stressed. “Without credible data, governments and development partners cannot effectively plan, budget, or implement programmes that adequately respond to the realities faced by Persons with Disabilities.”
He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no Person with Disability is left behind in national development efforts, adding that the Commission would continue to strengthen partnerships that support disability-inclusive policies and programmes.
On her part, the representative of RedAid Nigeria, Ms. Precious, applauded the remarkable progress the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has made in advancing disability rights and promoting inclusion across the country.
She described the Nigeria Disability Information Management System as a transformative initiative capable of bridging existing data gaps and providing government, development partners, and humanitarian organizations with reliable information needed for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and service delivery.
According to her, credible disability data will not only improve policy implementation but also ensure that interventions reach the people who need them most.
Ms. Precious announced that RedAid Nigeria is prepared to provide technical and strategic support towards the successful rollout of NDIMS, expressing confidence that the initiative would significantly improve disability governance in Nigeria.
Beyond disability data, she disclosed that RedAid Nigeria is also willing to support the National Commission in reviewing its Five-Year Strategic Plan, noting that the current strategic framework is due for review this year.
She explained that a revised strategic plan would enable the Commission to respond more effectively to emerging challenges, align with evolving national and international disability priorities, and strengthen its institutional capacity to deliver on its mandate.
The discussions also focused on deepening collaboration in strategic planning, policy implementation, institutional strengthening, and disability-inclusive development.
At the end of the meeting, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger partnership that will contribute to improved disability data management, enhanced policy development, and better outcomes for millions of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The collaboration is expected to support the Commission’s broader efforts to institutionalize data-driven decision-making while ensuring that disability issues receive greater attention in national planning and development processes.
Stakeholders believe that partnerships such as this will play a critical role in accelerating the implementation of disability-inclusive policies and creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to participate fully in Nigeria’s social, economic, and political development.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its commitment to the rights of Persons with Disabilities, initiatives like the Nigeria Disability Information Management System and strategic partnerships with organizations such as RedAid Nigeria are expected to provide the foundation for more inclusive governance, improved service delivery, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
