By Jaccinta Nwachukwu
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are considered in every decision and government policies to enhance efficient disability governance.
President Bola Tinubu expressed the commitment at a two-day Nigeria National Disability Summit 2025, in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit is: “Inclusive Nigeria Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development.”
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said the summit was an opportunity to take stock of what Nigeria had achieved, identify the gaps and define the practical steps to ensure that no Nigerian was left behind.
He said that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, had introduced numerous policies and reforms for the inclusion of PWDs in governance.
“Government is, therefore, committed to taking a deliberate step to mainstream disability inclusion in governance and development,” he said.
The president further stated that through collaboration with state governments and development partners, Nigeria had expanded access to assistive devices, promoted inclusive education, enhanced social protection coverage and integrated disability data into international planning and national social register.
“We have also prioritised employment and empowerment initiative. The Federal Civil Service Commission has been directed to enforce a fair representation of persons with disabilities.
“While public works and skill development programmes have been adopted, we accommodate and empower citizens with disabilities,” Tinubu added.
Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said in a bid to ensure protection for PWDs in Nigeria, the National Assembly had passed the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act 2018.
Represented by Hon. Dawudu Bashiru, Chairman, House Committee on Disabilities Affairs, Abbas explained that the bill was designed to protect the rights and welfare of PWDs in the country.
According to him, more than 10 million Nigerians with disabilities face discrimination, stigmatisation, lack of physical access, employment, education and health challenges.
He assured that the leadership of the house would provide necessary support to enhance full implementation of the law as well as other assistance needed to create more inclusive Nigeria.
Ms Esther Bature, Country Advocacy Coordinator, SightSavers, an NGO, said that the theme for the Post-Global Disability Summit in Nigeria shouldn’t be just a cliche but a call for collaboration by all, and proper coordination by relevant authorities.
Bature said that the organisation believed in a world where no one would go blind through avoidable causes, and also where persons with disability could live equally and equitably like others in the society.
She said that the organisation had collaborated with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure inclusiveness in education and employment policies.
“We try to bridge the gap between the private sectors and the unemployed young persons with disabilities through various programmes,” she added.
Similarly, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria, Dr Markus Wagner, said that inclusive development was not optional but essential for Nigeria’s growth.
“Disability inclusion is not optional. It is a matter of human rights and development globally. There are an estimated 1.3 billion persons with disabilities, representing 16 per cent of the population.
“They deserve a voice, equal access to education, employment, healthcare, technology and meaningful participation in society.
“Germany remains committed to ensuring that development programmes recognise and address these rights,” Wagner said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, said that the summit was an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and take decisive steps towards breaking down barriers, harmonising policies and creating opportunities for every Nigerian with disability.
“Today’s events provide an invaluable platform for stakeholders to review progress, share best practices and strengthen partnerships towards realising the commitments made under the Global Disabilities Summit framework,” Gufwan said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
