The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s conference hall, was initiated by JONAPWD and led by its National President, Abdullahi Usuman, alongside the National Secretary, Dr. Ishaku Adamu. It marked the Minister’s first formal engagement with the national disability community.
Speaking during the engagement, Usuman highlighted the urgent need for improved technical support for persons with disabilities across government institutions. He noted that over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities continue to face barriers to access, participation, and inclusion, particularly in donor-funded programmes and targeted interventions that benefit other vulnerable groups.
Expanding on the concerns raised, Dr. Adamu drew attention to the lack of disability-focused funding within regional development agencies and the continued use of outdated, non-inclusive curricula in schools.
Using blind students as an example, he explained the difficulties they encounter in studying subjects such as mathematics and the sciences due to curricula that fail to accommodate their learning needs.
Also speaking at the meeting, former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. James Lalu, noted that disability commissions, which began as a flagship initiative in Plateau State, have now expanded to about 28 states. However, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the Federal Government and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as many state disability commissions remain underfunded and lack the capacity to operate effectively.
In his response, Minister Doro acknowledged the challenges facing persons with disabilities and pledged closer collaboration with the NCPWD and other disability stakeholders. He revealed that the Ministry is already in discussions with the World Bank on potential projects aimed at promoting inclusive education and broader disability-focused interventions.
The Minister also noted existing funding gaps resulting from shifting priorities among development partners, emphasising the importance of developing locally driven and sustainable solutions. He further disclosed that the proposal to appoint a technical adviser with a disability is currently under serious consideration.
The JONAPWD delegation described the visit as historic, noting that it signalled a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation. The meeting ended with a shared resolve to deepen collaboration and advance meaningful inclusion for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
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