In a move to enhance disability rights and accessibility in Nigeria, the United Nations and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) have deepened their collaboration. Today, NCPWD’s Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, hosted the UN Inclusion Coordinator in Nigeria, Madam Ekaete Judith Umoh, for a pivotal strategic dialogue focused on addressing critical gaps in disability inclusion.
During the discussion, Hon. Gufwan highlighted pressing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, the absence of a comprehensive disability database, and insufficient funding. He emphasized that the commission, currently operating from a rented facility, faces difficulties in implementing necessary structural adjustments for improved accessibility.
Funding constraints remain a significant barrier, with the Executive Secretary revealing that while ₦60 billion is required to build essential disability-friendly infrastructure for over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities, only ₦2 billion was allocated—far below what is needed to meet national demands.
To improve service delivery, Hon. Gufwan advocated for the decentralization of NCPWD operations by establishing state liaison offices in all 36 states and local engagement centers in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. This, he explained, would bring services closer to PWDs, eliminating the need for long and costly travel to Abuja.
Recognizing the power of multi-sectoral collaboration, he reiterated his commitment to forging strategic partnerships with government institutions, the private sector, NGOs, and global development partners such as the United Nations.
Madam Ekaete Judith Umoh expressed concern over the financial limitations affecting the commission’s work and reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to supporting disability inclusion efforts in Nigeria. She pledged immediate collaboration with NCPWD to accelerate the implementation of accessibility regulations and key policy interventions.
The commission also unveiled a structured reform approach for the education sector, introducing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Inclusion and Access to Pre-Tertiary Education, a comprehensive guide to assist teachers in delivering inclusive education.
As a key outcome of the meeting, the commission formally presented several policy documents to the UN Inclusion Coordinator, including:
- Local Government Disability Framework
- National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Accessibility Regulations
- Five-Year Strategic Plan
- National Standard Operating Procedures on Inclusion and Access to Pre-Tertiary Education
- Framework for the National Access-to-Work Scheme for PWDs
The session concluded with the official handover of these documents to Madam Umoh, signifying a strengthened alliance between NCPWD and the United Nations in advancing disability rights and fostering a more inclusive Nigeria.
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