The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, inclusion and strict enforcement of disability rights laws as it received the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) on a courtesy visit to its headquarters in Abuja.
The JONAPWD delegation was led by its National President, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, alongside the National Secretary and the President of the Leprosy Cluster. The visit provided an opportunity for engagement on issues of mutual concern and critical challenges confronting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described JONAPWD as the umbrella body for all disability clusters in Nigeria, stressing that unity and coordination remain vital to effective advocacy and policy implementation.
According to him, collective action within the disability community strengthens engagement with government and accelerates the realization of rights and welfare for Persons with Disabilities.
Hon. Gufwan reaffirmed the Commission’s statutory mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of PWDs as provided under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, assuring that the Commission remains resolute against discrimination and neglect.
In his remarks, the National President of JONAPWD, Mr. Usman, commended the leadership of the Executive Secretary and acknowledged the Commission’s ongoing efforts toward advancing disability rights. He called for deeper collaboration and greater inclusion of JONAPWD in the Commission’s programmes, policies and strategic engagements affecting PWDs nationwide.
The National Secretary of JONAPWD also raised concerns over persistent challenges faced by PWDs, particularly the poor enforcement of the 5 per cent employment quota stipulated in the Disability Act. He urged the Commission to intensify monitoring, investigate non-compliance, and ensure the proper placement of qualified PWDs in public and private institutions.
Responding, Hon. Gufwan disclosed that the Commission is strengthening its enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Act. He cited inclusive initiatives such as the University of Lafia’s 75 per cent tuition subsidy for students with disabilities and encouraged other institutions to adopt similar practices.
The Executive Secretary further emphasized the importance of establishing a National Disability Council, noting that such a structure has proven effective in other jurisdictions. He added that sustained stakeholder support, adequate funding and strong political will are essential for the Commission to fully deliver on its mandate.
He explained that some limitations experienced in the previous year were largely due to funding constraints and the structure of capital budget allocations, which restricted operational flexibility. He, however, assured that the Commission is taking steps to activate lawful provisions of the Disability Act that allow for internal revenue generation.
The meeting was attended by key management staff of the Commission, including the Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Chinwe Eze; the Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Nkem Uchebulam; and the Director of Social Integration, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, among others. They all reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnership, enforcement of the Disability Act, and the protection of the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
Both NCPWD and JONAPWD concluded the engagement by reaffirming their shared commitment to sustained collaboration towards building an inclusive Nigerian society where no one is left behind.
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