In a landmark move to strengthen disability rights in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) on Thursday, September 25, 2025, officially unveiled and rolled out the National Certificate of Compliance—a tool designed to enforce adherence to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The brief but symbolic ceremony, attended by government officials, civil society representatives, private sector stakeholders, and disability advocates, marked the end of the moratorium period and signaled the beginning of a new era of practical enforcement and accountability in disability inclusion across Nigeria.
During the welcome address, the NCPWD’s Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, described the rollout as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s disability rights journey.
He explained that the compliance certificate would ensure that public and private institutions eliminate physical, social, and systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities.
“This is about building an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he emphasized, urging attendees to spread awareness about the certificate across sectors.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, the Permanent Secretary, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equity, fairness, and non-discrimination within the public service.
“The Public Service Rules of 2021 already align with the values of inclusion,” she noted, assuring that workplace policies would continue to reflect fairness. She commended NCPWD’s leadership and called on all stakeholders to join hands in building “a Nigeria where disability is never a barrier.”
Representing CBM International, Mr. Michael Idah, Country Program Manager, congratulated NCPWD and highlighted CBM’s technical and advocacy support through the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development (DRAPID Project).
He noted that CBM provided technical backing to the Commission’s ICT department in setting up the disability certificate registration system, with a particular focus on Benue and Delta States.
“This partnership demonstrates how global and national collaboration can translate legislation into real, life-changing opportunities,” he said.
Ambassador Sunday Onuoha from the European Cultural Center described the initiative as a “landmark achievement,” pledging ongoing partnership to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. Similarly, Hajiya Hassan, Manager of the Mopad Foundation, underscored the organization’s commitment to education and empowerment, affirming that “education, empowerment, and inclusivity are fundamental rights, not privileges.”
According to Hon. Mohamed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, in his goodwill message,
“This initiative by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is timely, innovative, and a major step towards strengthening the full implementation of the National Disability Act.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Executive Secretary Barrister Ayuba Gofuan, alongside other Commission leaders, explained that the regulation provides a clear legal framework for the development, issuance, and enforcement of the certificates.
He noted that the process will not only drive compliance with accessibility and inclusion standards but will also generate internally sourced revenue for the Commission and the federal government.
All certificates will require the personal signature of the Executive Secretary to bolster security and prevent counterfeiting, along with other protective measures.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary outlined the following key requirements and recommendations to ensure successful nationwide implementation:
Contractors must secure compliance certificates before obtaining contract approvals—a “landmark shift” in Nigeria’s approach to disability rights.
The National Assembly is urged to provide legal backing to make the certificates compulsory for all contractors, organizations, and offices.
Regular training for stakeholders and professionals in the building and service sectors is essential for upholding disability inclusion standards.
Broader sensitization campaigns targeting contractors, organizations, and the general public are recommended to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility compliance.
Establishing robust monitoring systems, enforcing clear penalties for non-compliance, and providing incentives for compliance are vital. Strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, professional bodies, and the private sector will underpin advocacy efforts.
The Commission urged participants to promote the compliance certificate widely and commit to sustained advocacy to ensure that disability inclusion becomes standard practice across all sectors of society.
Stakeholders pledged to continue promoting awareness, collaboration, and enforcement to build an inclusive Nigeria where accessibility, equity, and respect are upheld.
By Kelsey Chukwunyere Nwosu, Inclusive News Network, Abuja
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