The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, has said at least 35 million Nigerians are living with disabilities.
Gufwan said the Commission was committed to addressing the needs of Nigerians living with disability by ensuring inclusive policies are made by government and private stakeholders cooperation.
Henzodaily reports that Gufwan stated this on Tuesday while he hosted a delegation from Sightsavers, led by its Country Director, Joy Shuaibu, and West Africa Regional Director, Boubacar Dicko, at the Commission’s headquarters in the Central Business District Abuja on Tuesday.
A statement from the Commission’s spokesman, Ishaku Kigbu, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the two organizations and reaffirming their shared understanding of promoting inclusion and improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Gufwan stressed the importance of improving mobility, fostering partnerships with the private sector, and ensuring transparency in resource utilization.
“Our focus this year is action and results. Mobility is at the heart of inclusion, and we are dedicated to ensuring no Nigerian with disability is left without the means to move freely. We also aim to engage private sector stakeholders to enhance their corporate social responsibility contributions toward empowering persons with disabilities,” he said.
In her remarks, the Country Director, Joyce Shuaibu, expressed gratitude to the Commission for its unwavering support and collaboration with Sightsavers.
She highlighted Sightsavers’ achievements in the past year, including vocational training and the provision of ₦50,000 startup funds for 150,000 persons with disabilities to establish small businesses.
She emphasized the need to revisit past commitments and align with the Commission on actionable steps to implement the Commission’s strategic plan effectively.
“Our goal is to ensure that the Commission’s strategic plan is not just a document on the shelf but a roadmap for tangible progress. We are committed to advocating for increased government funding and supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and digital accessibility for persons with disabilities,” Shuaibu stated.
The Regional Director, Boubacar Dicko commended the Commission for its dedication to creating an inclusive society. Drawing from his experiences during a visit to Yauri, Kebbi State, he highlighted the dire need for mobility aids for polio survivors and other persons with disabilities.
“Mobility is the foundation for accessing education, employment, and societal participation. We must address this challenge head-on to enable persons with disabilities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Dicko said.
Discussions focused on advancing digital literacy initiatives, scaling up vocational training programs, and advocating for increased resources to support persons with disabilities.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria through collaborative efforts.