The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has applauded the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lawyers with Disabilities Forum for its steadfast commitment to promoting the rule of law and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Hon. Gufwan gave the commendation when members of the Forum paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. He praised their dedication to legal advocacy and inclusion, noting that their work continues to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities within the justice system.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that persons with disabilities are not only educated and skilled but are also making meaningful contributions to national development. He called for continuous review and improvement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 to ensure it adequately responds to emerging realities and challenges across the country.
While acknowledging that many states have already domesticated the Disability Act, Gufwan expressed concern over poor implementation and limited funding, which, he said, hinder full realization of the law’s objectives. He urged stakeholders, development partners, and government institutions to provide stronger institutional and financial support to strengthen disability inclusion, especially at the grassroots level.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Barrister Sani Moyi of the Nigerian Bar Association said the Forum shares the Commission’s mandate of ensuring effective enforcement of the Disability Law. He reaffirmed their collaboration with the NCPWD in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and requested the Commission’s support for lawyers with disabilities participating in the upcoming NBA Annual National Conference.
Also speaking, the NCPWD’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, reiterated the need for full compliance with the Disability Act to achieve a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with stakeholders to promote the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of national life.
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