The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to protect the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during emergencies in Nigeria.
This renewed partnership was solidified during a courtesy visit by NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, to NEMA headquarters in Abuja. Gufwan highlighted the urgent need for coordinated and inclusive emergency response systems that cater to the specific needs of PWDs.
“Emergencies often hit Persons with Disabilities hardest. Strengthening our partnership with NEMA is essential to ensure timely and inclusive interventions,” Gufwan said, while commending NEMA for previous support during flood crises in Borno, Kano, Sokoto, and the FCT.
He emphasized the growing population of PWDs and the need to expand collaborative efforts to enhance their protection and access to relief during emergencies.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, praised the NCPWD’s advocacy efforts and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disability-inclusive humanitarian responses.
“Since taking office, I’ve prioritized the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in our emergency strategies. We’ve provided not only material aid but also conducted field visits to better understand their needs,” she noted.
Umar added that NEMA has incorporated PWD concerns into its operational plans and budget, with a focus on assistive devices that promote independence. She also called for improved data on PWDs to guide targeted and sustainable interventions.
Both agencies concluded the meeting with a shared pledge to build an inclusive and resilient emergency response framework that ensures no one is left behind.
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