The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has pledged a stronger push to enforce disability rights and expand accessibility across Nigeria as it deepens partnership with International IDEA’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC).
The pledge was made when a ROLAC delegation paid a courtesy visit to NCPWD headquarters in Abuja to discuss ongoing efforts to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Receiving the delegation, NCPWD Executive Secretary Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan described ROLAC as a key stakeholder that has consistently supported the Commission over the years.
Gufwan commended ROLAC for its unwavering commitment to promoting access to justice, rights, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria through strategic programs and engagements.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed NCPWD’s statutory mandate to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of persons with disabilities as enshrined in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
He emphasised the need for full implementation of the Act, noting that similar legislation has proven effective in other countries in advancing disability rights and social inclusion.
Gufwan stressed that as Africa’s leading economy, Nigeria must lead by example to ensure persons with disabilities no longer suffer exclusion and discrimination.
“As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria must lead by example to ensure persons with disabilities no longer suffer exclusion. This Commission was created to foster an inclusive society through advocacy, mainstreaming, policy development, and enforcement,” he said.
Gufwan highlighted that the Commission requires sustained stakeholder support, adequate funding, and political will to fully deliver on its mandate to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities across the country.
ROLAC Project Manager Mrs. Maureen Lance-Onyeiwu commended the Executive Secretary for his leadership and dedication to advancing disability rights in Nigeria.
She called for stronger collaboration between ROLAC and NCPWD, reiterating the programme’s commitment to implementing activities that positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities nationwide.
Lance-Onyeiwu disclosed that ROLAC will roll out key activities throughout 2026 to promote an inclusive society and strengthen accessibility across government institutions and services.
The planned activities include a National Accessibility Baseline Assessment to be conducted in three states to evaluate current accessibility standards and identify gaps that need to be addressed.
ROLAC will also develop National Accessibility Checklists to provide standardised guidelines for ensuring accessibility in public spaces and government facilities.
The programme will train Accessibility Desk Officers in ministries, departments, and agencies as well as state disability commissions to ensure that accessibility standards are properly implemented and monitored.
Additionally, ROLAC will develop an Accessibility Compliance Scorecard for annual evaluation, enabling regular assessment of progress in making Nigeria’s institutions and services accessible to persons with disabilities.
Both NCPWD and ROLAC reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at building an inclusive Nigeria that upholds the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The delegation meeting included several management staff members of NCPWD and concluded with a technical session between NCPWD officials and ROLAC representatives to discuss specific implementation details and partnership strategies.
