The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) are exploring a strategic partnership to expand access to trade, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and creative industry opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a visit by NCPWD representatives to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, in Abuja.
The commission said the engagement was aimed at securing institutional support for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the ministry’s programmes, particularly the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, the commission’s Director of Social Integration, Lawrence Idemudia, said the partnership would help connect persons with disabilities to opportunities in trade, investment, skills acquisition and the creative economy.
The commission said its proposed partnership aligns with its mandate under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which provides for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities.
He noted that the commission was already working with Peace for Humanity Foundation and Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI) on skills development, entrepreneurship and creative industry empowerment.
Idemudia also commended Oduwole for advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, micro, small and medium enterprise development, and trade expansion.
Gufwan stressed that disability inclusion should be treated as an economic priority rather than an act of charity.
“15% of Nigeria’s population who are Persons with Disabilities cannot be left out of trade and industrialization plans,” he said, adding that excluding persons with disabilities from productive work and business opportunities limits the country’s economic potential.
He further stated: “We are not here to ask for charity. We are here to unlock a 35.5 million-strong market of consumers, producers, and entrepreneurs through the creative industry and trade and investment strategies.”
The commission called for the formal inclusion of persons with disabilities and their businesses in the ministry’s trade, investment, enterprise development and creative economy programmes.
Responding, Oduwole assured the commission of the ministry’s willingness to explore ways to include persons with disabilities in its ongoing projects and programmes.
She highlighted the ministry’s role in supporting Nigerian businesses and said its work on diversity, equality and inclusion had received recognition.
The minister also identified opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and the ministry’s trade department that could benefit entrepreneurs with disabilities.
On CANEX WKND 2026, Oduwole described the platform as an avenue for trade, investment, enterprise development and market access, noting that qualified persons with disabilities could also benefit.
She subsequently directed representatives of the ministry, the commission and its partners to establish a Technical Working Committee to identify strategic areas of collaboration and develop practical measures for disability inclusion across the ministry’s programmes.
Commission Seeks Support for Talent Hunt and Farm City Projects
Among its requests, NCPWD sought the minister’s approval for a dedicated showcase at CANEX WKND 2026 to feature the creative talents of persons with disabilities.
The commission said the proposed showcase would provide greater visibility for artists and creators with disabilities and connect them with opportunities in the creative economy.
It also sought the ministry’s support for a proposed national PWD Reality TV Talent Hunt Show, being developed in partnership with DADI.
The planned programme is expected to cover music, comedy, acting, fashion design, visual arts, dance, culinary arts, content creation and assistive technology innovation. According to the commission, it is designed to discover, train and mentor participants while helping them turn their talents into sustainable income.
Another proposal is the Farm City Project, which NCPWD is developing with Peace for Humanity Foundation to support persons with disabilities in agriculture, careers and business ventures.
The commission said integrating these initiatives into the ministry’s entrepreneurship and small-business development programmes could expand economic opportunities and support poverty reduction among persons with disabilities.
The proposed Technical Working Committee is expected to identify areas for cooperation and determine how the initiatives can be incorporated into the ministry’s existing programmes.
