From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has vowed to enforce the rights of over 30 million persons with disabilities (PWDs), as enshrined in the constitution.
NCPWD Executive Secretary Ayuba Gufwan stated this to mark this year’s United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), promising to strengthen advocacy and drive change for people with special needs in the country.
IDPD was established by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness of the challenges faced by PWDs and promote their inclusion in all sectors of society.
Gufwan reaffirmed the NCPWD’s mandate to implement the National Disability Inclusion Architecture (NDIA), focusing on strengthening governance structures, ensuring accessibility, supporting employment and economic empowerment, facilitating access to assistive technologies, and fostering public awareness.
He also announced the establishment of a National Disability Database to collect accurate data on PWDs for informed policy-making.
Additionally, he revealed plans for pilot programmes on accessibility regulations and national frameworks to ensure equal employment opportunities for PWDs.
As part of the celebration, the Commission hosted a National Dialogue themed: “Transformative Solutions to Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria.”