The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has emphasized the need to integrate persons with disabilities (PWDs) into Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector.

He made this appeal during a strategic meeting with the Vice President of the Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEA-A), Anita Adeyemi, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Anita Adeyemi, Vice President of REEEA-A, acknowledged the underrepresentation of PWDs in the clean energy industry. She noted that persons with disabilities are frequently excluded from climate action and renewable energy conversations, despite Nigeria’s push for clean energy solutions. Adeyemi stressed the importance of creating opportunities that ensure PWDs have equitable access to sustainable energy and economic empowerment within the sector.

Hon. Ayuba Gufwan reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to promoting inclusivity, expressing optimism that the partnership with REEEA-A will create new pathways for PWDs to engage in the renewable energy space. He highlighted areas such as access to solar energy solutions, skills development, and entrepreneurship as key components of this effort.

He further urged all stakeholders — including government agencies, private sector players, and development partners — to prioritize accessibility and inclusion in renewable energy programs. Gufwan emphasized that the clean energy transition must be inclusive, ensuring PWDs benefit from emerging opportunities in the sector.

The meeting signals a significant move toward inclusive development, aiming to harness renewable energy to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.

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The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.

This was emphasized during a recent engagement with the Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC), where discussions focused on the alarming prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within the disability community and the need for stronger institutional interventions.

During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, stressed that gender-based violence affects women across all sectors of society but is particularly devastating for women with disabilities due to systemic barriers and widespread neglect. He highlighted the urgent need for disability-inclusive policies, effective legal protections, and access to justice for survivors. Hon. Gufwan also noted that many victims within the disability community are unable to report cases due to stigma, lack of accessible complaint mechanisms, and fear of reprisal. He called for increased advocacy and structured engagement with stakeholders to ensure that women with disabilities are not left behind in national efforts to combat SGBV.

The Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) expressed deep concern over the continued marginalization of women with disabilities in discussions around gender-based violence. Representatives from DRAC emphasized that while significant strides have been made in addressing SGBV in Nigeria, women and girls with disabilities remain largely invisible in national response strategies. They urged the NCPWD to take a leading role in advocating for policies that specifically address the unique vulnerabilities of this group. DRAC further stressed the importance of creating accessible support services, ensuring inclusive rehabilitation programs, and strengthening legal frameworks to protect women with disabilities from abuse and exploitation.

In response, Hon. Gufwan welcomed DRAC’s advocacy efforts and acknowledged the need for a coordinated approach in tackling gender-based violence within the disability community. While no formal commitments were made, he reiterated the Commission’s openness to engaging with organizations that share a common goal of advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. He also urged government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and civil society organizations to work collectively in ensuring the full implementation of disability-inclusive gender protection policies.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the critical need to strengthen existing laws, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure survivors of gender-based violence, particularly those with disabilities, receive the protection and support they deserve. The NCPWD remains committed to advocating for a more inclusive and just society where all individuals, regardless of disability status, can live free from violence and discrimination.

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Abuja, Nigeria – The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has outlined measures to ensure public buildings comply with accessibility standards, reinforcing the government’s commitment to implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Meeting that brought together key players, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Isa emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and structural adjustments to make government facilities more inclusive. He announced the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee and a Presidential Task Force on Accessibility, which will oversee audits, compliance, and necessary modifications across public institutions.

Despite the progress made, he acknowledged the challenges hindering accessibility compliance, such as limited awareness, inadequate funding, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the underrepresentation of persons with disabilities in decision-making. He stressed the need for increased budgetary allocations, better enforcement strategies, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these gaps.

Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) also called for a nationwide accessibility audit to assess the current state of public infrastructure. Isa expressed full support for the initiative, while Arc. Joy O. Baderin from the Office of the Head of Civil Service pledged institutional backing to ensure its success.

The meeting marked a critical step in advancing accessibility and inclusion across Nigeria’s public buildings, reinforcing the government’s commitment to creating an environment where persons with disabilities can navigate with ease and dignity.

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On Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, to present a progress report on the Federal Government’s commitment to disability inclusion in Nigeria.

During the meeting, the two officials exchanged pleasantries and rekindled old acquaintances while reaffirming their collective dedication to advancing the welfare of Nigerian youths, particularly those with disabilities.

The discussions focused on the future of Nigerian youths with disabilities and the urgent need for greater inclusion in national policies and programs. A major point of emphasis was the upcoming National Youth Conference, where the participation of young persons with disabilities was recognized as essential in fostering inclusive discussions on youth development.

Hon. Abba Isa commended the Honourable Minister for his ongoing efforts in supporting initiatives that empower young people across the country. He also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in driving inclusive and youth-friendly policies that prioritize every segment of society.

A key moment during the visit was the official presentation of the Nigeria’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion: 2024 Progress and Initiatives Report. Prepared by the Office of the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, the report highlights the achievements of the Federal Government in advancing disability inclusion, as well as ongoing and future initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

Hon. Abba Isa reassured the Minister of his office’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure disability inclusion is seamlessly integrated into youth policies. He stressed the importance of actively involving young persons with disabilities in shaping national policies and programs.

In his response, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, reiterated his unwavering commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for youths with disabilities. He vowed to collaborate with various stakeholders to further the inclusion objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that all young Nigerians, regardless of ability, have equal access to growth and development opportunities.

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