The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), convened a landmark stakeholders meeting and workshop themed “Mapping Data Sources of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.”
The event, held yesterday at the prestigious Barcelona Hotel in Abuja, brought together representatives from various agencies and ministries to deliberate on strategies for gathering accurate data on persons with disabilities across the nation.
During the opening session, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu, delivered a compelling welcoming address. Dr. Lalu underscored the critical importance of obtaining precise data on persons with disabilities, emphasizing that the era of speculation must come to an end. He highlighted the necessity for comprehensive and reliable data to inform policy-making and resource allocation aimed at empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
The stakeholders meeting and workshop provided a platform for robust discussions, exchange of ideas, and collaborative efforts towards enhancing data collection methods and mechanisms. Participants engaged in fruitful dialogues on leveraging existing resources, optimizing technology, and promoting inclusivity in data collection processes to ensure that no individual with a disability is overlooked or marginalized.
Moving forward, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities reaffirms its commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to advance the cause of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Through collaborative initiatives such as the mapping of data sources, the Commission aims to foster a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and support systems.