The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has emphasised the importance of reliable and accurate data on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), describing it as a critical tool for effective planning, inclusive development and improved service delivery.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, stated this at a Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop on the Revised Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the National Disability Management Information System (NDMIS) Data Collection Tools held in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai, Gufwan said accurate disability data would enable government and relevant stakeholders to understand the needs of PWDs, identify gaps in service delivery, plan appropriate interventions and measure the impact of programmes designed to improve their lives.
He explained that the Commission was developing the National Disability Management Information System as a central platform for harmonising disability-related data across the country.
According to him, establishing the system alone would not address existing challenges unless the information collected was relevant, accurate and useful for policy formulation and decision-making.
Gufwan also urged participants to critically examine the revised performance indicators, stressing that departmental KPIs must reflect actual responsibilities, measure achievements and provide a reliable basis for accountability.
He cautioned against treating the documents as mere administrative requirements, describing them instead as practical instruments for assessing institutional performance, strengthening accountability and improving decision-making.
The NCPWD Executive Secretary called on stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the validation process to ensure that the final documents receive broad acceptance and adoption. He also appreciated Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the Commission.
In his opening remarks, the Country Director of Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Mr. Samuel Omoi, expressed delight at the commitment and resilience demonstrated by participants.
Omoi observed that the absence of accurate data on PWDs had continued to undermine effective development planning but expressed optimism that collaborative efforts through the NDMIS initiative would help address the challenge.
He urged stakeholders to take ownership of the exercise, describing it as a historic opportunity to strengthen disability inclusion through credible information. He also encouraged them to support public awareness and sensitisation about the initiative.
Similarly, the representative of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mr. Gboyega Alesinloye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing relevant interventions and expressed hope that the outcome of the exercise would contribute meaningfully to national development.
The representative of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Olushola Omorawaiye, described the initiative as a significant milestone towards establishing credible disability data in Nigeria.
He highlighted NIMC’s readiness to support the process through personnel training on data collection and pledged the Commission’s collaboration with NCPWD to ensure the production of accurate and acceptable data.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of the Federal Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Women Affairs, and Education, as well as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), National Population Commission (NPC), HISP Nigeria and GIZ, also reaffirmed the importance of reliable disability data for effective planning and programme implementation.
They pledged to work collaboratively with NCPWD to achieve the objectives of the initiative.
A major highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, who provided an overview of the NDMIS and explained the objectives of the exercise. The session also witnessed the adoption of the NDMIS by participating stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai, appreciated the participating MDAs, development partners, particularly CBM, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the exercise.
He also commended NCPWD staff for their commitment and hard work in advancing the Commission’s objectives.
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