The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting disability rights and accessibility across Nigeria following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the International IDEA Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described ROLAC as a longstanding and strategic partner that has consistently supported the Commission’s efforts to advance the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
He commended the organization for its dedication to promoting access to justice, equality, and social inclusion through various disability-focused initiatives and engagements across the country.
Gufwan reiterated the Commission’s mandate to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of persons with disabilities as provided under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. He stressed the importance of ensuring the full implementation of the Act, noting that similar legal frameworks have successfully enhanced inclusion and accessibility in several countries.
“As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria must take the lead in ensuring that persons with disabilities are no longer subjected to exclusion and discrimination. The Commission was established to build an inclusive society through advocacy, policy development, mainstreaming disability issues, and enforcement of disability rights,” he said.
The Executive Secretary further emphasized the need for sustained support from stakeholders, adequate funding, and strong political will to enable the Commission effectively deliver on its mandate and drive meaningful change for persons with disabilities nationwide.
Speaking during the visit, ROLAC Project Manager, Mrs. Maureen Lance-Onyeiwu, praised Hon. Gufwan’s leadership and commitment to advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria. She expressed ROLAC’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Commission and continue implementing impactful programmes that improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
Mrs. Lance-Onyeiwu disclosed that ROLAC has lined up several key initiatives for 2026 aimed at strengthening accessibility and inclusion. These include a National Accessibility Baseline Assessment in three states, the development of National Accessibility Checklists, training of Accessibility Desk Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as State Disability Commissions, and the development of an Accessibility Compliance Scorecard for annual evaluations.
Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering an inclusive society where the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities are protected and promoted.
The meeting was attended by members of the Commission’s management team and concluded with a technical session between officials of NCPWD and representatives of the ROLAC Programme to explore areas of further collaboration.
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