In a decisive move to strengthen the protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with Nightstone Global Ltd, has organized a capacity-building training programme for security personnel and taskforce officers.
The training, held at Hawthorn Suites in Garki, Abuja, brought together officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and disability stakeholders from all 36 states of the federation. Themed “Capacity Building for Safety and Wellbeing of PWDs in Nigeria through Enforcement Modalities,” the programme focused on strategies to effectively implement and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
In a keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it has begun to positively impact the lives and welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Barr. Ikem Ochigbelam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the Commission, emphasized the importance of enforcement in achieving the goals of the Act. “Any law that is not enforced is as good as no law,” he said, adding that the Prohibition Act serves as a lifeline for over 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
The training aimed to equip NSCDC duty desk officers, taskforce members, and other relevant personnel with the knowledge and tools needed to enforce the Act and uphold the rights of PWDs across the country.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Dauda Magaji expressed the Ministry’s support for the Commission’s initiatives. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing policies that uphold the dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities in line with national priorities.
He also lauded the Commission’s leadership for initiating the training, describing it as timely and necessary. He pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration and support.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, who in turn pledged to uphold and promote accessibility, inclusion, and the enforcement of disability rights laws in their respective areas of duty.
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